Proposal Information

Specifications Values

RFQ no. 1333 -LB-23-MGBSAM -0004

RFQ Name Decennial Census Contracts Acquisition Support

RFQ Type Request for Quote

RFQ
U.S. Census Bureau
Department

Proposal Due
Friday, May 19, 2023, 11:00 AM EST
Date and Time

Questions Due
Thursday, May 11, 2023, 1:00 PM EST
Date and Time

RFQ Mode of
Electronically via email
Submission

Bryan Shearer, Contract Specialist, [email protected] &

Point of Contact
Matthew Gore, Contracting Officer, [email protected]

Place of
USCB located at 4600 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, MD, 20746.
Performance

Base Period: June 12, 2023, through June 11, 2024; Option Period 1:
Period of June 12, 2024, through June 11, 2025; Option Period 2: June 12, 2025,
Performance through June 11, 2026; 6 Month Extension: June 12, 2026, through
December 11, 2026

Set Aside 100% Small Business Set Aside

Security
Public Trust clearance
Clearance

NAICS 541611

Key Personnel Project Manager IV, Contract/Procurement Analyst, Technical

 Specifications Values

Writer/Editor

Task Order Type Time and Materials

Background
The U.S. Census Bureau (USCB) is the nation's primary source of statistics about the U.S.
population, housing, and economy. The Decennial Census is a large-scale, highly complex,
dynamic program of national importance with strict statutory timelines. The Decennial Contracts
Execution Office (DCEO) is responsible for effective contract execution and management.
DCEO is responsible for Decennial’s contracting needs and Contracting Officer Representative
(COR) activities, and routinely involved in activities associated with acquisition planning, which
includes the preparation of acquisition documentation and coordination with acquisition staff,
and administration of existing and new service/product contracts. DCEO seeks a contractor to
provide contracting professionals to support the Decennial Directorate in performing a range of
acquisition-related contract support services, including both project management and contracting
administration support services. The contractor must demonstrate an understanding of the
decennial mission and work collaboratively with Government counterparts and stakeholders in
laying the foundations for the 2030 Decennial Census.

Scope
This task order seeks to acquire contracting professionals to support the Decennial Directorate in
performing a range of acquisition-related contract support services. The scope encompasses both
project management and contracting administration support services. The contractor will be
responsible for providing a Project Manager, Contract/Procurement Analysts, and Technical
Writers/Editors to perform the following high-level tasks:

 Project Management: Supervise and manage contractor staff, establish project

management controls, and serve as the primary point of contact for the government.
 Contracting Administration Support: Provide technical writing, assist in developing
contract requirements, support acquisition activities, and administer post-award contracts.

Task Areas

Task Area 1: Project Management

 Overview: The Contractor shall designate a Project Manager (PM) to oversee and
manage the Contractor staff providing the services in Task Area 2. The PM must hold
appropriate authority, leverage project management skills and experience, and adhere to
Project Management Institute (PMI) standards.
 Key Responsibilities:
o Manage all task order activities in alignment with PMI standards.
 o Establish and apply program controls to successfully manage support for the full
lifecycle of the task order.
o Oversee and manage task area operations and Contractor staff performance.
o Serve as the primary point of contact (POC) for the Government for operational
and task area-related questions.
o Bear ultimate responsibility for the two task areas, deliverables, and work
products.
o Monitor performance in accordance with the Quality Control Plan (QCP)
approved upon award.
o Develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-
recurrence of defective services.
o Support the Decennial Directorate in providing project management support and
contract administration support services.
o Serve as the primary POC to the Government and provide Contractor staff
technical and day-to-day direction regarding specific work assignments for
support services.
o Have status of all assignments and notify the government if there is a need for any
changes within the Task areas.
o Direct monthly adjustments in Contractor priorities in response to the
Government's requirements to the appropriate task areas in consultation with the
COR and Task POC (TPOC).
o Develop and adhere to all task order management-related reporting and tasks
identified in the performance work matrix and deliverable schedule.
o Ensure that all Contractor staff have proper security clearances, government
training, and required certifications before beginning work on a project.
o Adjust level-of-effort and skill mix as needed to meet changing project
requirements, direct delivery of technical support services, and ensure timeliness
and quality of work products.
o Prepare and update Staffing Plan as needed.
o Prepare weekly and monthly status reports.
o Document areas for improvement, process improvement resolutions, and follow
up actions on a yearly basis and provide to COR and TPOC.

Task Area 2: Contract Administration Support

 Overview: The Contractor shall provide contracting support services in conducting

federal procurement activities in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation
(FAR) to include a wide range of professional acquisition and contract support-related
services/activities from pre-award, post-award, and contract close-out for the Decennial
Directorate.
 Key Responsibilities:
o Provide experienced and effective contract management and administration
support personnel with knowledge of and understanding to apply relevant FAR
and related regulatory requirements.
o Provide technical writing to assist in the development of drafting contract
requirements.
o Provide support and recommendations for the capture, analysis, assessment,
reporting, and development of acquisition baselines for assigned tasks.
o Participate in pre-award functions and regularly coordinate with the Government
for input and direction.
o Assist with and support relevant acquisition activities to include Requests for
Information (RFIs), Sources Sought Notices (SSN), conducting Market research
and Market Research reports, Industry/Capabilities Day material, Statement of
Work (SOW), Performance Work Statements (PWS), Request for Proposals
(RFPs), Statement of Objectives (SOO), Acquisition Milestones/Delivery
schedules, and Requests for Quotes (RFQs).
o Assist in the identification of potential sources and contract vehicles, including
socio-economic program participants.
o Assist in the development and implementation of a Decennial Acquisition
Strategy and Roadmap as well as other required contract administration
documentation.
o Provide advice, guidance, and recommendations for all elements in acquisition
planning.
o Support the development of acquisition and IT documentation, presentations, and
materials required for acquisition.
o Support the development, consolidation, and presentations of materials required
for Census Governance Review Boards.
o Prepare procurement documents, plans, presentations, and performance measures
(i.e., acquisition plans, brand name justifications, Justification for Other than Full
and Open Competition (JOFOCs), IT acquisitions forms and other checklists, and
Census and DOC governance board presentations).
o Assist Government with providing input, documentation, or any type of
correspondence for audits, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests,
Inspector General requests, etc.
o Attend meetings with Government to review any pre-award or post-award actions.
o Attend contract-related monthly meetings with customers (or as needed).
o Assess and maintain progress versus resource consumption, to include the
preparation of earned value measurement reports (EVM) on contracts that include
an EVM component.
o Provide post-award contract support services including assistance with reviewing
contractor performance, exercise contract options, developing contract
modifications, investigating reports of contract discrepancies, processing invoices,
and on-boarding staff.
o Provide support for contract close-out services including support for the efficient
contract closeout in full compliance with FAR and USCB procedures and
mandates.
o Review contract administration business processes to identify improvement
opportunities, and present recommendations for process improvement and assist
in the implementation.
o Write and/or edit technical documents, including business proposals, reports, user
manuals, briefings and presentations, functional descriptions, system
 specifications, guidelines, special reports, and other project deliverables to meet
contract requirements.
o Develop outlines and drafts for review and approval by technical specialists and
project management ensuring that final documents meet applicable contract
requirements and regulations.
o Research and gather technical and background information for inclusion in project
documentation and deliverables.
o Consult relevant information sources, including library resources, technical and
financial documents, and client and project personnel, to obtain background
information, and verify pertinent guidelines and regulations governing.

Submission Instructions
L.1 OVERVIEW OF PROCESS

This Request for Quote (RFQ) is for General Services Administration (GSA) MAS contract
holders only with a period of performance that meets or exceeds the life of this task order. This
Procurement is 100% Small Business set aside. The Government will accept only quotes
submitted by GSA MAS Small Business companies. Any quote submitted by a contractor that is
not a small business will not be accepted and therefore not considered for evaluation or award.

L.2. CAR 1352.215 -72 INQUIRIES (APR 2010)

Offerors must submit all questions concerning this solicitation in writing to Bryan Shearer,
Contract Specialist, via email [email protected] and Matthew Gore, Contracting
Officer, via email [email protected]. Questions should be received no later than 1:00
p.m. EST, Thursday May 11, 2023. The subject line for submission shall be marked “[Company
Name] – Submission of INQUIRIES – 1333 -LB-23-MGBSAM -0004.” Any responses to
questions will be made in writing and will be included in an amendment to the solicitation. Even
if provided in other form, only the question responses included in the amendment to the
solicitation will govern performance of the task order.

L.3 CAR 1352.215 -70 CONTRACTOR PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS (APR 2010)

The Offeror’s written proposal shall conform to solicitation provisions and be prepared in
accordance with this section.

Written proposals shall be submitted via email no later than 11:00 AM, EST on Friday, May 19,
2023. The Offeror shall submit a soft copy of their written Proposal using electronic media in the
appropriate MS Word and MS Excel format. The subject line for this Proposal shall be marked
“Proposal Submission – Offeror/Company Name – 1333 -LB-23-MGBSAP -0004”. Offerors
must submit written proposals to Bryan Shearer, Contract Specialist, via email
at [email protected] and Matthew Gore, Contracting Officer, via email
at [email protected].

Text shall be presented on 8 ½ x 11-inch paper in Arial or Times New Roman typeface, no
smaller than 11-point pitch (smaller fonts are acceptable for graphics, figures, tables, footnotes,
and legends) with 1-inch margins. In addition to submitting soft copies of written proposals in
the required MS word/MS Excel formats, additional copies of these documents may also be
submitted in PDF format if desired.

All pages of each part within each volume shall be appropriately numbered and identified with
the name of the Offeror, the date, and the solicitation number.

This proposal documentation shall cover all aspects of this solicitation. Proposals must clearly
demonstrate how the Offeror intends to accomplish the project and must include convincing
rationale and substantiation of all claims. Unnecessarily elaborate brochures or other
presentations beyond those sufficient to present a complete effective response to the solicitation
are not desired. To aid in evaluation, the proposal shall be clearly and concisely written, prepared
in sufficient detail for effective evaluation of the Offeror’s proposal against the evaluation
criteria, as well as being neat, indexed (cross-indexed as appropriate), and logically assembled.
The proposal shall be specific and comprehensive and cohesive. The Offeror shall endeavor to
avoid vague or ambiguous words or phrases, e.g., as necessary, periodically, and as required. The
Offeror shall identify benefits associated with its proposal.

L.3.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The Offerors shall prepare Volume 1 – Technical Proposal and Volume 2 – Business/Price
Proposal subject to the following general requirements:

 General – Volume I – Technical Proposal and Volume 2 – Business/Price Proposal shall

be specific, and clearly and fully detail the Offeror’s capabilities, knowledge, and related
experience in performing the activities described in this solicitation. Statements that the
Offeror “understands” and “will comply with the technical requirements” will not be
adequate. Similar phrases such as “standard procedures will be employed” or “well-
known techniques will be used” will not be acceptable.
 Page Limits – Volume I – Technical Proposal and Volume 2 Business/Price Proposal
page limits by section are outlined in the table below. Pages in excess of the page limit
for each section will not be evaluated.
 Representations and Certifications – The representation and certification in FAR
Provisions, 52.204 -24, 52.204 -26 listed within section K and Attachment J.5 shall be
completed by the Offeror and submitted as part of Volume I – Technical Proposal. This
shall be submitted with the appropriate responses and will not count against overall
proposal page limit.
 Front Matter – Title page, table of contents/figures/table are not included in page count
limits. Content on such pages will not be evaluated.
 Text and Submission Format – Volume I – Technical Proposal and Volume II –
Business/Price Proposal shall be submitted in softcopy form using MS Word and/or the
appropriate MS Excel Format. Additional copies may be submitted in PDF format. Text
font shall be Times New Roman, no less than single spaced, and no smaller than 11-point
(smaller fonts are acceptable for graphics, figures, tables, footnotes, and legends).
Reference Section L.3 for any additional Proposal submission formatting information.
 Page Layout – All margins shall be set at 1.0 inches (top/bottom, left/right).
  Page Markings – All pages of each part of the proposal shall be appropriately numbered
and identified with the name of the Offeror, the date, and the solicitation number.
 Structure – Volume I – Technical Proposal and Volume II – Business/Price Proposal
shall be structured into sections as outlined below and subject to the indicated page count
limits. Pages in excess of the limit will not be evaluated.

Page RFQ
Section Title
Limit Reference

0.0 Introduction 2 pages L.4

1.0 Volume I – Technical Proposal L.5

Factor 1: Management and Staffing Approach L.5.1

Management and Staffing Approach: Task Order L.5.1; F.5.1.2;

6 pages
Management Plan C.3.1

L.5.1; F.5.1.3;
Management and Staffing Approach: Staffing Plan 2 pages
C.3.1

Management and Staffing Approach: Quality L.5.1; F.5.1.6;

2 Pages
Control Plan C.3.1

Management and Staffing Approach: Key Personnel L.5.1, H.1,

Resumes (Limit 2 Pages per Resume) F.9.1.1

Factor 2: Subfactor A - Relevant Experience

9 Pages L.5.2
(Including Similar Experience Citations)

Factor 2: Subfactor B - Past Performance

N/A L.5.2
Questionnaires* (Solicitation Attachment J.4)

2.0 Factor 3: Volume II - Business/Price Proposal 4 pages L.6

Price Proposal Attachment 1: Solicitation

N/A L.6
Attachment J. 2 – Price Quotation Worksheet

*All Proposal Attachments are EXCLUDED from the Total Proposal Page Limits.

L.4 SECTION 0.0 – INTRODUCTION

The introduction section shall describe the Offeror’s company, Business Size Standard, details
regarding their GSA MAS Schedule. The Introduction shall also identify the senior leadership,
any subcontractor relationships, and provide a general overview of the Contractor’s Support
team. It shall introduce the individuals proposed as the Contractor’s Points of Contact. The text
may also point to any relevant company strengths and general experience with the USCB and
similar programs.

L.5 SECTION 1.0 VOLUME I – TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

L.5.1 FACTOR 1: MANAGEMENT & STAFFING APPROACH

The Offeror shall describe how the Offeror plans to manage the performance under this task
order. The Offeror shall describe the experience and skill level of their proposed labor categories
within their staffing approach. Offerors shall detail how the Offeror plans to communicate with
Census Bureau management; describe the policies, procedures, and techniques to be employed to
assure cost-effective and quality performance; and describe the Offeror’s approach to meet the
requirements outlined in Section C of this solicitation.

The Offeror’s Management/Staffing Approach for this Task Order should address, at a
minimum:

 Task Order Management Plan. The full required content of the Task Order
Management Plan is outlined in Section F.5.1.2.
 Staffing Plan. The full required content of the Staffing Plan is outlined in Section
F.5.1.3.
 Quality Control Plan. The full required content of the Quality Control Plan is outlined
in Section F.5.1.6.
 Representations and Certifications. The representation and certifications in Attachment
J.5, Representations and Certifications Addendum shall be completed by the contractor
and submitted as part of its Technical Quotation.
 Identification of Key Personnel as outlined in Section H.1 to include the Key
Personnel’s Task Order Role and proposed GSA MAS Labor Category as well as the
proposed key personnel’s resumes. Resumes shall include the following:
o Summary information, to include Name, current employer, company employment
status, and position.
o Knowledge, skills, specializations, and years of relevant experience.
o Recent and relevant work experience and specific technical accomplishments that
support indicated knowledge and skills.
o Education, certificates and/or certifications.
o Offeror’s certification that the individual meets or exceeds the staffing
requirements of outlined in Section F.9 - Staff
o Two (2) professional references, including a current telephone number for any
references provided.
o Firm commitment from the person listed in the proposal to fulfill the Key
Personnel role.
Resumes shall not exceed 2-pages each and are excluded from the total page count.

L.5.2 VOLUME I – TECHNICAL PROPOSAL – FACTOR: RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Sub-Factor A: Similar Experience

This section shall describe three past or ongoing projects of significant relevance to the effort
requested by this solicitation. Cited projects shall:

 Be currently underway or completed within the past 3 years;

 Be of similar scope, size, and complexity to the requirements as described in Section C
and demonstrate the Offeror’s ability to recruit, hire and retain staff to meet these
requirements.

The experiences cited shall provide the period of the experience, the quantifiable results realized,
how the results were achieved, description of how the work was coordinated with other
contractors, description of a problem encountered and how that problem was overcome, total
dollar value of the experience, the Offeror’s portion of that total dollar value (size), scope and
complexity for the experience.

The Offeror may include contracts on which they have performed, or are performing, work as a
prime or subcontractor. The Offeror may also include contracts on which their proposed
subcontractor or teaming partner has performed, or are performing, work as a prime or
subcontractor.

If the Offeror has no single project that encompasses all types of relevant experience as defined,
the Offeror may show Relevant Experience through a combination of projects that altogether
show that the work that has been accomplished is consistent in scope and complexity with the
work required.

The Government reserves the right to contact the government/commercial points of contact
provided by the Offeror, and any project officials and/or other persons who have been involved
in any of the contracts listed by the Offeror to verify information about Relevant Experience and
to obtain past performance information.

If the Offeror is unable to provide three (3) relevant contracts, a lesser number may be submitted.
If the Offeror possesses no similar experience, it should affirmatively state this fact in the Similar
Experience Citation. Failure to submit the completed Citation shall be considered certification
(by signature on the Offeror) that the Offeror has no similar experience for like or similar items
for the Government to evaluate.

Responses should be limited to three (3) pages per citation. Offerors shall use the below citation:
 <Assign a sequential ID number
Offeror or Company Contract
to the contract beginning with the
Subcontractor Name identifier
number one (1)>

Customer Contract

<IDIQ, CPFF, <Award Date, Project Start and

Period of
Contract Type FFP, T&M, Target completion date(s), if
Performance
etc.> revised>

<Enter the
original total
dollar value of
Contract Value the contract and Offeror Role
the current
dollar value, if
different>

<Name,
Agency, COR/COR
CO Contact <Name, Agency, Address, Email,
Address, Email, Contact
Information Phone, and Fax>
Phone, and Information
Fax>

<Provide enough information

relative to the Offeror’s contribution
to the customer’s project objectives;
skills, knowledge and experience
gained from this project that will be
<Name,
made available to benefit the U.S.
End-User Point- Agency,
Project Census; involvement of any
of-Contact Address, Email,
Description member of the proposed base period
Information Phone, and
technical team involved in this
Fax>
project (if none, state “NONE”),
that will allow the Census Bureau
evaluators to consider how the cited
project relates to the size, scope,
and complexity of the PWS.>

Sub-Factor B: Past Performance

A Past Performance Questionnaire is provided for completion by the Offeror’s (and/or

subcontractor’s) past performance references as part of the evaluation process. The Past
Performance Questionnaire document is provided in Attachment J. 4 Past Performance
Questionnaire. The Offeror (and/or subcontractor’s) shall forward the questionnaire to the
selected similar experience references provided above for two (2) past projects. The Offeror
(and/or subcontractor’s) shall request that a Point of Reference (Contracting Officer or Technical
Area Supervisor) of the past project submit written evaluations of their performance or their
proposed subcontractors for the similar experience cited. Past Performance Questionnaires
(Attachment J. 4) submitted by similar experience point of references (Contracting Officer or
Technical Area Supervisor) will not count against the total page limit.

The Government reserves the right to contact the government/commercial points of contact
provided by the Offerors, as well as any and all other information available to the USCB (e.g.,
Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS)) in order to evaluate an
Offeror’s (and/or subcontractor’s) past performance. It is the Offeror’s responsibility to ensure
Past Performance Questionnaires (Attachment J. 4) arrive to the email address cited no later than
the date and time of receipt of proposals. These evaluations shall be sent as e-mail attachments
by their references directly to the USCB at email addresses identified below. Offerors shall
request their references mark the subject line of the e-mails as “[Offeror Name] – Past
Performance Questionnaire – 1333 -LB-23-MGBSAM -0004”. The form for these evaluations
has been provided in Attachment J. 4 - Past Performance Questionnaire.

 Bryan Shearer, Contract Specialist, via email at [email protected]

 Matthew Gore, Contracting Officer, via email at [email protected]

L.6 SECTION 2.0 VOLUME 2 – BUSINESS/ PRICE PROPOSAL

L.6.1 General Requirements

Each Offeror shall submit a business/ price proposal separate from the technical proposal as part
of their proposal package. Pricing materials provided in Volume 2 – Business/ Price Proposal
will not be evaluated against technical factors. In preparation of VOLUME 2 –Business/Price
Proposal, the Offeror shall provide a narrative overview and summary of the content proposed in
Attachment J. 2 -Price Quotation Worksheet, business related factors taken into consideration in
developing the Offeror’s Business/Price Proposal, as well as supplemental and supporting
information necessary to support the Offeror’s proposed pricing.

As part of the Volume 2 – Business/Price Proposal, Offerors shall complete Solicitation

Attachment J. 2 – Price Quotation Worksheet as follows:

 Tab 1: Overview
The Offeror shall:

o Complete Attachment J. 2 Price Quotation Worksheet – Tab 1:Overview. This

shall include:
 Offeror’s Name and Date of Proposal Submission.
 Price-Related Assumptions including the GSA MAS Contract number
being utilized and whether the Offeror’s price quotation complies with the
terms and conditions of the referenced GSA MAS Contract, the
requirements of this proposed task order, and NAICS 541611.
  Tab 2: Mapping
The Offeror shall:

o Complete Attachment J. 2 Price Quotation Worksheet – Tab 2: Mapping. In doing

so, the Offeror shall map the Government’s anticipated Task Order Roles to GSA
MAS labor categories. The Offeror shall include the GSA MAS labor category
descriptions.

The Government requires labor categories that are comparable to the Task Order Roles
outlined in Section B.6 and as included Attachment J. 2 – Price Quotation Worksheet.
For proposal purposes, Offerors are requested to only propose based off the Task Order
Roles provided in Section B. 6 and Attachment J. 2 – Price Quotation Worksheet.
Offerors are notified that this depiction is solely based on what is anticipated at this time
to support the requirements described in Section C.

o Ensure that the proposed GSA MAS labor categories are appropriate for the skills
and experience for each Task Order Role to successfully perform stated task order
requirements under Section C - Performance Work Statement and conform to the
requirements in C.5 Staffing Requirements.
 Tab 3 – Pricing
*Attachment J. 2 – Price Quotation Worksheet Tab 3 – Pricing provides the
Government’s Estimate that depicts the estimated level of effort anticipated for the
lifecycle of the task order at this time. For proposal evaluation purposes, the Offerors are
instructed to use only the Government’s estimated hours as the basis of their proposal.
The Offeror shall use onsite rates in the calculations and must not deviate from the total
level of effort provided within Attachment J.2. The estimated notional level of effort
provided in Attachment J. 2 – Price Quotation Worksheet is an estimate at time of
solicitation.
The Offeror shall:

o Complete Attachment J. 2 Price Quotation Worksheet Tab 3 – Pricing. This tab

shall calculate total proposed task order price as well as the total proposed price
for the base and optional periods of performance. Periods of Performance are
provided in Section F. 1 of this solicitation.
o Propose hourly rates for each task order role and its associated GSA MAS labor
category. Proposed hourly rates shall be fully burdened hourly rates for each of
the labor categories listed and shall not exceed the rates contained in the Offeror’s
master GSA MAS contract. The Offeror shall include a comparison of the GSA
MAS posted rates to the proposed discounted rates, if applicable. The percentage
discount shall be evident. The Government encourages Offerors to consider
providing discount labor rates and/or to eliminate or reduce labor hour escalation
rates in the price quotation.

L.7 POST AWARD BRIEFING

If a briefing is desired, the Offeror must request in writing a briefing within three (3) workdays
(Monday -Friday) after the award decision has been announced. These requests shall be sent to
via email with the subject marked “[Company Name] – Request for Briefing to Bryan A Shearer,
Contract Specialist, via email at [email protected] and Matthew Gore, Contracting
Officer, via email at [email protected]. The briefing will be conducted in accordance
with FAR 8.405-2(d).

L.8 CAR 1352.233 -70 AGENCY PROTESTS (APR 2010)

(a) An agency protest may be filed with either: (1) the contracting officer, or (2) at a level above
the contracting officer, with the appropriate agency Protest Decision Authority. See 64 Fed. Reg.
16,651 (April 6, 1999)

(b) Agency protests filed with the Contracting Officer shall be sent to the following address:

Matthew Gore U.S. Census Bureau 4600 Silver Hill Road Washington, DC 20233

(c) Agency protests filed with the agency Protest Decision Authority shall be sent to the
following address:

(d) A complete copy of all agency protests, including all attachments, shall be served upon the
Contract Law Division of the Office of the General Counsel within one day of filing a protest
with either the Contracting Officer or the Protest Decision Authority.

(e) Service upon the Contract Law Division shall be made as follows:

U.S. Department of Commerce Office of the General Counsel Chief, Contract Law Division
Herbert C. Hoover Building 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W. Room 5099
Washington, D.C. 20230. FAX: (202) 482 -5858

L.9 CAR 1352.233 -71 GAO AND COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS PROTESTS (APR
2010)

(a) A protest may be filed with either the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or the Court
of Federal Claims unless an agency protest has been filed.

(b) A complete copy of all GAO or Court of Federal Claims protests, including all attachments,
shall be served upon (i) the Contracting Officer, and (ii) the Contract Law Division of the Office
of the General Counsel, within one day of filing a protest with either GAO or the Court of
Federal Claims.

(c) Service upon the Contract Law Division shall be made as follows: U.S. Department of
Commerce, Office of the General Counsel, Chief, Contract Law Division, Room 5893, Herbert
C. Hoover Building, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230. FAX:
(202) 482 -5858.
Evaluation Factors for Award
M.1 CAR 1352.215-75 CONTRACTOR PROPOSAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

M.1.1 BASIS FOR AWARD

The USCB’s evaluation will be based on Best Value principles. Accordingly, an award will be
made to the responsible and technically acceptable Offeror whose proposal provides the greatest
overall value to the Government, price and all other factors considered. This best value
determination will be accomplished by comparing the value of the differences in the non-price
factors for competing offers, based on the level of confidence that the Offeror will successfully
perform the requirement, and with differences in their price to the Government. In making these
comparisons, the Government is more concerned with obtaining superior non-price capabilities
than with making an award at the lowest overall price to the Government. Offerors are advised
that the non-price evaluation factors are significantly more important than price.

Evaluation of all offers will be made in accordance with the criteria outlined in this section.
Proposals will be evaluated against the Government’s following three (3) factors:

Factor 1 Factor 2 Factor 3

Management & Staffing Approach Relevant Experience Price

Factor 1: Management & Staffing Approach and Factor 2: Relevant Experience make up the
Technical Evaluation Factors. When combined, Factor 1 and Factor 2 are more important than
Factor 3: Price. As the non-price merits of competing Offeror’s proposals approach equal, Factor
3 will become more important in the best value trade-off decision. Offerors are cautioned that the
award may not necessarily be made to the lowest priced proposal.

M.2 VOLUME I - TECHNICAL PROPOSAL EVALUATION

Factor 1: Management & Staffing Approach, and Factor 2: Relevant Experience make up the
Technical Evaluation factors. The evaluation of each factor will be done holistically with a rating
scale of "high confidence," "some confidence," and "low confidence," representing the
Government’s confidence that the Offeror understands the requirement, proposes a sound
approach, and will be successful in performing the work.

For the purposes of this solicitation, these ratings are defined as follows:

Rating Definition

The Government has high confidence that the Quoter understands the
High
requirement, proposes a sound approach, and will be successful in
Confidence
performing the task order with little or no Government intervention.

Some The Government has some confidence that the Quoter understands the
 Rating Definition

requirement, proposes a sound approach, and will be successful in

Confidence
performing the task order with some Government intervention.

The Government has low confidence that the Quoter understands the
Low
requirement, proposes a sound approach, or will be successful in performing
Confidence
the task order even with Government intervention.

Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and other evidence of errors lacking quality in the proposal may
result in lower confidence by the Government.

M.2.1 FACTOR 1 – MANAGEMENT & STAFFING APPROACH

The Management Approach for this task order will be evaluated by an assessment of the
likelihood that the Offeror’s proposed management approach will enable them to meet the
Government’s needs as outlined in this solicitation. This factor will be evaluated through written
Quotations. The USCB will evaluate the extent to which the information discussed in L.5.1
VOLUME 1 - TECHNICAL PROPOSAL – FACTOR 1: MANAGEMENT & STAFFING
APPROACH is addressed.

The Government’s evaluation of the Quotation will assess the level of confidence the Offeror
will successfully perform the requirements as discussed in VOLUME 1 - TECHNICAL
PROPOSAL – FACTOR 1: MANAGEMENT & STAFFING APPROACH:

 The Offeror’s approach to meet the requirements outlined in Section C of this

solicitation.
 The Offeror successfully completed and submitted the representations and certifications
in Attachment J.5, Representations and Certifications Addendum shall be completed by
the contractor and submitted as part of its Technical Quotation.
 Task Order Management Plan: The Offeror’s plan shall describe their:
o Capabilities of their proposed team as well as their points of contact and
communication protocols by defining interfaces between the project and the
Government.
o Project organization, structure, authority, roles, responsibilities, and internal
reporting relationships to include reporting requirements such as describe cost and
schedule reporting mechanisms.
o Project management procedures and policies, including their process for project
tracking in terms of the deliverables/work products identified in Section C and F
and cost control.
o Procedures to establish and document comprehensive activity schedules and
milestones.
o Procedures, and techniques to be employed to manage and track funding sources
to ensure cost-effective and quality performance to include the approach
managing and controlling costs within an established ceiling.
 o The Offerors tools, job-aids, or processes used to maximize compliance with FAR
and Agency supplements.
o The Offeror shall describe how they plan to keep staff trained and up to date on
current acquisition policies, regulations, acquisition trends, and best practices.
 Staffing Plan: The Offerors plan shall describe their:
o Process to ensure contractor employees staffed in each Task Order Role/GSA
MAS labor category have proper qualifications and have requisite skills as
requested in Section F.9 (STAFF).
o Transition strategy to move responsibilities from personnel who are leaving the
program to personnel who will take over the associated responsibilities.
o Retention strategy to minimize Contractor personnel turnover.
 Quality Control Plan: The Offerors plan shall describe their:
o Review/audit process, its documentation, methods of internal review,
identification of staff position(s) performing the reviews, and the frequency of the
reviews.
o The approach and procedures for communicating with the Government; handling
corrective actions; and identifying and implementing potential improvements to
the program services.
o Process for project tracking in terms of the deliverables/work products identified
in the proposal.
o The performance requirements for each phase of the project and/or labor category.
o The performance objective for each Performance Standard (Reference: F.10
Performance Requirements Matrix).
o Quantifiable Acceptable Level of Performance for each Performance Standard
(Reference: F.10 Performance Requirements Matrix).
o Method of surveillance including who will perform the surveillance, the
frequency, and the process for accomplishing the surveillance.

M.2.3 FACTOR 2 – RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Sub-Factor A: Similar Experience

Similar experience will be evaluated for Size, Scope, and Complexity of the submitted
experiences as follows:

 Similar Size will be demonstrated by qualifications that show the Contractor’s similar
experience supporting a customer base of comparable size, managing a team of
comparable size, and managing comparable contract values, amongst other criteria.
 Similar Scope will be demonstrated by qualifications that show the Contractor’s
demonstrated similar experience in performing all tasks outlined in Section C including
Project Management and Contract Administration Support.
 Complexity will be demonstrated by qualifications that show the Contractor is able to
manage multiple projects simultaneously that require varying levels of matrixed
contractor support and operate from multiple sources of funding, remain flexible while
operating successfully within timelines in a multi-project environment, navigate complex
 interdependencies between all tasks outlined in Section C, and ensure the security of all
data, amongst other criteria.
 Current experience – Offerors shall be evaluated on their experience demonstrated was
within the past three (3) years.

The information presented in the Offeror’s proposal, together with information from any other
sources available to the Government, will provide the primary input for evaluation of this factor.
The Government reserves the right to verify the specifics of current or previous contracts
described by the Offeror’s proposal.

Sub-Factor B: Past Performance

The Government will evaluate the level of confidence the information collected through the Past
Performance Questionnaires (Attachment J.4) provides. The Government will evaluate the
submissions to determine whether the Offeror consistently delivers quality services in a timely
and cost-effective manner. The reviews will determine Offeror’s compliance with contract
requirements for similar work, and timely delivery, accuracy, and completeness of work
products, and overall technical excellence.

In the event an Offeror does not provide USCB with past performance, USCB will rate that
Offeror’s past performance as “Neutral.”

The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s (prime and subcontractor’s) related past
performance and similar experience using the Offeror provided information and information
received in response to the Past Performance Questionnaire.

Additionally, the Government may elect to consider information from other sources; however, it
is under no obligation to do so. In conducting this assessment, the Government reserves the right
to use both data provided by each Offeror and data obtained from other sources.

The Government reserves the right to verify the specifics of prior contracts described by Offerors
in their Quotations.

M.2.4 FACTOR 3 - PRICE

Price will be considered as Factor 3 for the evaluation but will be evaluated separately from the
non-price evaluation factors and applied in the determination of best value. Price is significantly
less important than the non-price evaluation factors.

PRICE EVALUATION

The price evaluation will include price completeness and accuracy, price reasonableness, and
total price to the Government. All information provided under the Price Quotation, will be used
for price evaluation, as defined below.

(1) Completeness and Accuracy

The Government will review the price quotation worksheet for completeness and accuracy. A
determination will be made as to whether the Offeror has properly understood the price quotation
instructions as specified in Section L and properly completed the rate schedules. Changes to the
evaluation quantities, blanks, or zeros in the pricing columns, and/or mathematical mistakes are
subject to clarification for confirmation of the Offerors’ intent. The Offeror's proposal will be
checked for mathematical correctness to include the following:

1. Checking arithmetic in all computations.

2. Verifying that all prices are summarized correctly; and

(2) Price Reasonableness

An evaluation of the Offerors price quotation will be made to determine if prices are fair and
reasonable. Reasonableness determinations will be made by determining if competition exists, by
comparing proposed prices with established Master GSA MAS Rates, and/or by comparing
proposed prices with the Government estimate.

(3) Total Evaluated Price

A total evaluated price for the Offeror’s submitted price proposal shall be an evaluation of the
sum of the base and all options. Except when it is determined in accordance with FAR 17.206(b)
not to be in the Government’s best interests, the Government will evaluate offers for award
purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. This
includes options under FAR clause 52.217-9. Evaluation of options will not obligate the
Government to exercise the option(s).

M.3 CAR 1352.215-74 BEST VALUE EVALUATION (APR 2010)

The USCB’s evaluation will be based on best value principles. Accordingly, an award will be
made to the responsible and technically acceptable Offeror whose proposal provides the greatest
overall value to the Government, price and other factors considered. This best value
determination will be accomplished by comparing the level of confidence in the technical factors
for competing offers, based on their confidence ratings, with differences in their price to the
Government.

In making this comparison, the Government is more concerned with obtaining superior technical
capabilities than with making an award at the lowest overall cost to the Government. However,
the Government will not make an award at a significantly higher overall price to the Government
to achieve slightly superior management skills.

Attachments and Exhibits

Attachment Number Title

J.1 Privacy Act Requirements

 Attachment Number Title

J.2 Price Quotation Worksheet

J.3 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

J.4 Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ)

J.5 Representations and Certifications Addendum

Key Personnel

Key Personnel Roles and Qualifications

Role Requirement and Experience,

Role Certifications
Skills Years

Project Manager IV - Provides oversight of all +10 Years in - Project Management

aspects of field and/or Acquisition Professional (PMP)
task-level project and Contract Certification
performance (i.e., Management - Experience
technical, contractual, managing and
administrative, financial). providing direction on
- Supervises Order the execution,
personnel involved in all management, and
aspects of project advisory support for
activity, organizes, and large and complex
assigns responsibilities to mission-critical
subordinates, oversees the Government systems
successful completion of development Projects
all assigned tasks, and - Experience
maintains customer managing and leading
contacts to ensure schedule, risk and
conformity to all change management
contractual obligations. activities on projects
- Interfaces with all areas of similar scale
affected by the project - Proficient
including end users, professional verbal
computer services, and and written
client services. communication skills
- Ensures adherence to
quality standards and
reviews project
deliverables. Manages the
 Role Requirement and Experience,
Role Certifications
Skills Years

integration of vendor
tasks and tracks and
reviews vendor
deliverables.
Recommends action to
direct the analysis and
solutions of problems.
- Exercises independent
judgment, as well as a
high-level of analytical
skill, in solving non-
routine technical,
administrative, and
managerial problems.
- Update and maintain
Microsoft Project/Excel
spreadsheets, or
schedules in other
formats with actual
deliverable dates and
status for the work
assigned.

Contract/Procurement - Supports program + 6 Years in - BA/BS in Business

Analyst offices in formulating Acquisition Administration
requirements and and Contract - Should have at least
preparing requisite Management 10 years’ experience
documents for as a Contract
submission to the Manager or Contract
cognizant contracting Administrator.
activity. - Experience working
- Possess knowledge of on IT Projects and
the Federal Acquisition contracts.
Regulation (FAR), - Ensuring that
government specific contracts follow
regulations, and be applicable laws and
current and regulations.
knowledgeable of - Drafting PWS,
acquisition streamlining SOWs, and IGCE’s
initiatives and reforms. - Excellent written
- Understands the uses of and communications
the various acquisition skills
 Role Requirement and Experience,
Role Certifications
Skills Years

approaches, e.g., full, and

open competition, cost
reimbursement and fixed
price contracts.
- Demonstrates good
organization and writing
skills. Develops
documents required for
acquisition packages
including, statement of
work, justifications, and
determinations.

Technical - Write and/or edit + 4 Years - MS Office and

Writer/Editor technical documents, Acquisition SharePoint
including business and Contract - Able to present High
proposals, reports, user Management level presentations
manuals, briefings and - Create and use
presentations, functional animations, graphics,
descriptions, system and photographs to
specifications, guidelines, illustrate content in
special reports, and other presentations.
project deliverables to - Manage the flow of
meet contract information in group
requirements. projects.
- Develop outlines and - Write supporting
drafts for review and content for services
approval by technical and products.
specialists and project - Excellent written
management ensuring and communications
that final documents meet skills.
applicable Order
requirements and
regulations.
- Research and gather
technical and background
information for inclusion
in project documentation
and deliverables.
- Consult relevant
information sources,
including library
 Role Requirement and Experience,
Role Certifications
Skills Years

resources, technical and

financial documents, and
client and project
personnel, to obtain
background information,
and verify pertinent
guidelines and
regulations governing
project deliverables

Key Personnel Resume Requirements

 Format: MS Word or MS Excel (PDF format acceptable as well)

 Content:
o Name, current employer, company employment status, and position
o Knowledge, skills, specializations, and years of relevant experience
o Recent and relevant work experience and specific technical accomplishments that
support indicated knowledge and skills
o Education, certificates and/or certifications
o Offeror’s certification that the individual meets or exceeds the staffing
requirements of outlined in Section F.9 - Staff
o Two (2) professional references, including a current telephone number for any
references provided
o Firm commitment from the person listed in the proposal to fulfill the Key
Personnel role
 Page Limit: 2 pages per resume

Clearance Requirements

 Personnel:
o All Contractor personnel must be U.S. Citizens and clearable according to the
standards of the Department of Commerce and U.S. Office of Personnel
Management (OPM) Public Trust clearance process.
o For IT Service Contracts:
 High Risk IT - Background Investigation (BI)
 Moderate Risk IT - Background Investigation (BI)
o For Non-IT Service Contracts:
 High Risk - Background Investigation (BI)
 Moderate Risk - Moderate Background Investigation (MBI)
 Facility:
 o Contractor personnel must undergo security processing by the Department’s
Office of Security before being eligible to work on the premises of any
Department of Commerce owned, leased, or controlled facility in the United
States or overseas, or to obtain access to a Department of Commerce IT system.
o The Contractor must complete and submit the following forms to the Contracting
Officer’s Representative (COR):
 Standard Form 85P (SF-85P), Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions.
 FD-258, Fingerprint Chart with OPM’s designation in the ORI Block; and
 Credit Release Authorization.
 Time Constraints:
o The Contractor shall identify replacement personnel within 30 days of position
vacancy for approval prior to the start of the security clearance process.
o During the first ninety (90) days of performance, the Contractor shall make no
substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness,
death, or termination of employment.

Additional Personnel Requirements

 All labor categories are full-time FTEs and expected to be well versed in Microsoft Suite
to draft presentations for senior level audiences.
 The Contractor shall have the personnel, organization, and administrative control
necessary to ensure that each task in Section C of this Order is completed satisfactorily.
 The Contractor shall provide personnel for performing the activities identified in Section
C under this Order who are fully qualified, trained, competent to perform their assigned
work and physically able to perform the work required. No trainee and/or apprentice shall
be assigned.
 All personnel must possess good verbal and written communication skills.
 The Contractor shall make its best efforts to retain personnel who have gained experience
on this Order and to minimize turnover.
 The Contractor shall obtain the consent of the Contracting Officer prior to making key
personnel substitutions. Replacements for key personnel must possess qualifications
equal to or exceeding the qualifications of the personnel being replaced unless an
exception is approved by the Contracting Officer.
 Requests for changes in key personnel shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer, via
the COR at least 15 working days prior to making any permanent substitutions. The
request should contain a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the
proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional
information requested by the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer will notify the
Contractor within 10 working days after receipt of all required information of the
decision on substitutions. The task order will be modified to reflect any approved
changes.

Other Personnel-Related Information

 The Government reserves the right to verify the performance of proposed Key Personnel
identified by the Contractor in their proposal and any proposed Key Personnel, including
 substitutions, following award. The Government reserves the right to utilize other
information available to evaluate Key Personnel. For example, the Government may
query contract references regarding the experience of proposed Key Personnel and the
quality of their performance.
 The Contractor may propose additional Key Personnel and labor categories, if necessary,
to meet the objectives/tasks of the requirement. If a new Key Personnel labor category is
proposed, the Contractor must provide a justification and rationale. In addition, the COR
and Government’s Technical Point of Contact shall be notified in writing of any proposed
substitution at least thirty (30) days in advance of the proposed substitution. The
notification shall include the following:
o Explanation of the circumstances necessitating the change prior to the removal or
substitution;
o A complete resume of the proposed substitute; and,
o Any other information requested by the COR or Government Technical Point of
Contact to enable him/her to judge whether or not the Contractor is maintaining
the same high quality of personnel.

Red Flags

Personnel Requirements

 Key Personnel Resumes: Resumes must include detailed information, specific technical
accomplishments, and two professional references. Resumes are limited to 2 pages each.
 Key Personnel Substitutions: The Government requires prior approval for any key
personnel substitutions, with replacements needing qualifications equal to or exceeding
those being replaced. Substitutions are restricted during the first 90 days of performance.
 Security Clearances: All personnel must be U.S. Citizens and clearable according to
Department of Commerce and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Public Trust
clearance process.
 Training: Contractor personnel must complete mandatory Census Bureau training,
including Data Stewardship Awareness Training and Title 26 Awareness Training.
Failure to complete training will result in denial of access to facilities and systems.

Technical Challenges

 Title 13 Data: The Contractor must comply with Title 13 of the United States Code,
which restricts the use and disclosure of Census Bureau data. All personnel with access to
Title 13 data must take an oath and complete Census Bureau Form BC-1759 (Special
Sworn Status).
 Security Requirements: The Contractor must comply with stringent security
requirements for both personnel and facilities, including background investigations,
fingerprint charts, and credit release authorizations.
 IT Security: The Contractor must comply with the Department of Commerce
Information Technology Security Program Policy and Minimum Implementation
 Standards, including system accreditation and annual assessments of control
effectiveness.
 HSPD-12 Implementation: The Contractor must comply with Department of Commerce
personal identity verification procedures that implement HSPD-12, FIPS PUB 201, and
OMB Memorandum M-05-24.

Contractual and Administrative Challenges

 Challenging Deadlines: The Government requires deliverables to be submitted within

specific timeframes, including a 10-day review period and a 5-day correction period for
documents.
 Past Performance: The Government will evaluate the Offeror's past performance based
on information provided in the Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment J.4) and
other sources.
 Price Quotation: The Offeror must complete the Price Quotation Worksheet
(Attachment J.2) using the Government's estimated hours as the basis for their proposal.
 Government Furnished Property: The Government may provide access to Census
Bureau staff, consultants, and materials, as well as temporary office space, personal
computers, and telephone access. The Contractor is accountable for and must maintain
stewardship of this property.

Other Red Flags

 Ambiguous Statements: The RFP document contains some ambiguous statements

regarding the Government's communication with Offerors and the potential for additional
work.
 Unique Requirements: The RFP document emphasizes the importance of non-price
factors, such as management and staffing approach, and relevant experience, over price.