MODIFICATION
R -- Sign Language Interpreter Services
- Notice Date
- 3/13/2007
- Notice Type
- Modification
- NAICS
- 541930
— Translation and Interpretation Services
- Contracting Office
- Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Office of Acquisition Management, HAAM, Room 4410 400 7th Street, S.W., Washington, DC, 20590, UNITED STATES
- ZIP Code
- 00000
- Solicitation Number
- DTFH61-07-Q-00037
- Response Due
- 3/26/2007
- Archive Date
- 4/10/2007
- Small Business Set-Aside
- Total Small Business
- Description
- VIII.1 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FAR 52.252-2) (Feb 1998) This document 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. VIII.2 Contract Terms and Conditions ? Commercial Items 52.212-4 with Alt 1 (Feb 2007) VIII.3 Toxic Chemical Release Reporting 52.223-14 (Aug 2003) VIII.4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS?COMMERCIAL ITEMS (NOV 2006) (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) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (AUG 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553). (2) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004) (Pub. L. 108-77, 108-78) (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. 253g and 10 U.S.C. 2402). _x_ (5)(i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (June 2003) (15 U.S.C. 644). _x_ (7) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (May 2004) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)). _x_ (9) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (Dec 1996) (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(14)). _x_ (14) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003) (E.O. 11755). _x_ (15) 52.222-19, Child Labor?Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Jan 2006) (E.O. 13126). _x_ (16) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Feb 1999). _x_ (17) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Apr 2002) (E.O. 11246). _x_ (18) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (Sept 2006) (38 U.S.C. 4212). _x_ (19) 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (Jun 1998) (29 U.S.C. 793). _x_ (20) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (Sept 2006) (38 U.S.C. 4212). _x_ (21) 52.222-39, Notification of Employee Rights Concerning Payment of Union Dues or Fees (Dec 2004) (E.O. 13201). _x_ (22)(i) 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA-Designated Products (Aug 2000) (42 U.S.C. 6962(c)(3)(A)(ii)). _x_ (23) 52.225-1, Buy American Act?Supplies (June 2003) (41 U.S.C. 10a-10d). _x_ (26) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (Feb 2006) (E.o.s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury). _x_ (31) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer?Central Contractor Registration (Oct 2003) (31 U.S.C. 3332). (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: (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 paragraphs (i) through (vii) of this paragraph in a subcontract for commercial items. Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause? (i) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (May 2004) (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 $550,000 ($1,000,000 for construction of any public facility), the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities. (ii) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Apr 2002) (E.O. 11246). (iii) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (Sept 2006) (38 U.S.C. 4212). (iv) 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (June 1998) (29 U.S.C. 793). (v) 52.222-39, Notification of Employee Rights Concerning Payment of Union Dues or Fees (Dec 2004) (E.O. 13201). (vi) 52.222-41, Service Contract Act of 1965, as Amended (July 2005), flow down required for all subcontracts subject to the Service Contract Act of 1965 (41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.). (vii) 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. VIII.5 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract 52.217-9 (Mar 2000) (a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the contractor within 30 days; provided, that the Government gives the contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 60 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. The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 5 years. IX.1 Offeror Representations and Certifications?Commercial Items Offerors must include completed copies of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items with their offer. These may be obtained via the internet at URL: http://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_212_213.html IX.2 CERTIFICATION OF TOXIC CHEMICAL RELEASE REPORTING 52.223-13 (Aug 2003) (a) Executive Order 13148, of April 21, 2000, Greening the Government through Leadership in Environmental Management, requires submission of this certification as a prerequisite for contract award. (b) By signing this offer, the offeror certifies that -- (1) As the owner or operator of facilities that will be used in the performance of this contract that are subject to the filing and reporting requirements described in section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 (EPCRA) (42 U.S.C. 11023) and section 6607 of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 (PPA) (42 U.S.C. 13106), the offeror will file and continue to file for such facilities for the life of the contract the Toxic Chemical Release Inventory Form (Form R) as described in sections 313(a) and (g) of EPCRA and section 6607 of PPA; or (2) None of its owned or operated facilities to be used in the performance of this contract is subject to the Form R filing and reporting requirements because each such facility is exempt for at least one of the following reasons: [Check each block that is applicable.] * (i) The facility does not manufacture, process, or otherwise use any toxic chemicals listed in 40 CFR 372.65; * (ii) The facility does not have 10 or more full-time employees as specified in section 313(b)(1)(A) of EPCRA, 42 U.S.C. 11023(b)(1)(A); * (iii) The facility does not meet the reporting thresholds of toxic chemicals established under section 313(f) of EPCRA, 42 U.S.C. 11023(f) (including the alternate thresholds at 40 CFR 372.27, provided an appropriate certification form has been filed with EPA); (iv) The facility does not fall within the following Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes or their corresponding North American Industry Classification System sectors: (A) Major group code 10 (except 1011, 1081, and 1094). (B) Major group code 12 (except 1241). (C) Major group codes 20 through 39. (D) Industry code 4911, 4931, 4939 (limited to facilities that combust coal and/or oil for the purpose of generating power for distribution in commerce). (E) Industry code 4953 (limited to facilities regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Subtitle C (42 U.S.C. 6921, et seq.)), or 5169, 5171, 7389 (limited to facilities primarily engaged in solvent recovery services on a contract or fee basis); or X. EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS It is essential that offerors clearly demonstrate that they have the capability and necessary personnel required to provide the services identified in the statement of work. The period of performance is May 1, 2007 through April 30, 2008, with 4 one-year options. Offeror must show that they are capable of commencing work on May 1st, and will be able to support the effort over the potential 5-year life of the contract. In order to ensure complete evaluation of each offeror?s technical merit, proposals must specify the technical approach proposed to satisfy the requirements of the statement of work. The approach must be practical, providing a concise delineation of what the offeror will do to satisfy requirements and not merely paraphrase the requirements in the statement of work. R?sum?s and Personnel Qualifications (i) The offeror shall provide resumes for personnel assigned to each labor category identified in their proposal. All r?sum?s shall include a description of the individual?s experience and accomplishments with an explanation of its relevancy to the tasks and functions he/she is intended to perform. Moreover, r?sum?s shall identify the firms or organizations for which personnel worked and dates of services (month/year). (ii) The contractor shall provide interpreters that possess valid national and/or state certifications (e.g., Certificate of Interpretation, Certificate of Transliteration; or Membership and certification from Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc., (RID)) to the fullest extent possible. (iii) To be considered, all personnel shall either be current employees of the offeror or have letters of commitment in the proposal. Technical Evaluation Factors 1. Technical Capabilities - (Possible 50 Points)  Interpreter Experience (Possible 15 points). The Government will evaluate the background and experience of the proposed interpreters based on the length and quality of their experience. Interpreters shall meet all the following qualifications: A. Associate or higher degree in interpreting, or equivalent degree. Alternatively, possess a Bachelor or higher degree in fields not related to interpreting. B. Holder of at least one of the following certifications: a. Both RID Certificate of Interpretation (CI) and RID Certificate of Transliteration (CT) b. RID Comprehensive Skills Certificate (CSC) c. RID Master Comprehensive Skills Certificate (MCSC) d. National Interpreter Certification (NIC) e. NIC Advanced f. NIC Master C. Minimum of three years of professional interpreting experience after obtaining certification. D. Demonstrated ability to interpret in challenging settings (Auditoriums, high profile events, etc.). In addition to the above qualifications, experience in highly technical settings is highly desirable but not required.  Understanding (Possible 10 points). The Government will evaluate the understanding of the Government?s requirements and the work to be performed as demonstrated in the offeror?s proposal.  Management Plan (Possible 10 points) The Government will evaluate the effectiveness of the contractor?s management plan to meet FHWA?s requirements. Soundness of approach/methodology for completing the contract requirements will be considered. The contractor shall either have sufficient in-house staff, and/or access to qualified ?free lance? independent contract interpreters to provide services to satisfy the requirements of this contract. The contractor should be located in the Washington Metropolitan area and have the capability to immediately contact interpreters for last minute requests for service or to make changes in existing assignments.  Administrative Responsibility (Possible 15 points) The Government will evaluate the demonstrated experience and capability to perform administrative functions (this includes handling the interpreters schedule, resolving conflicts, and coordinating services with other service providers) of the interpreters proposed based on their years of quality service and experience. 2. Past Performance* - (Possible 20 Points) The Government will evaluate the relevance, quality, and extent of the offeror?s past performance in similar government and/or commercial contracts as it relates to the probability of successful performance of the SOW. The Government will evaluate the offeror?s working relationships with clients such as their overall performance, reliability, attitude, demeanor, effectiveness and customer service. The offeror?s history of reasonable and cooperative behavior demonstrating sensitivity to the needs of the deaf will be considered. The Government will also evaluate the company?s procedures for tracking work assignments and keeping customers informed of pending interpreting requests. The offeror?s commitment to customer satisfaction and reliability of the vendor?s point of contact regarding contracting issues or matters will be evaluated. 3. Oral Presentation (Possible 30 Points) Presentation by the offeror regarding company policies and how it plans to carry out the Statement of Work. Ability of proposed interpreters to communicate using a variety of languages and techniques related to interpreting, such as transliteration, voice-to-sign and sign-to-voice, expressive interpreting, finger spelling, and English. Ability of proposed interpreters to interpret for individuals with a wide range of diverse communications backgrounds and from different occupations. Ability of proposed interpreters to communicate orally in order to accurately and effectively, verbalize technical and/or confidential information to hearing individuals in interpreting situations. *Past performance refers to the experience acquired by a firm as a whole, as opposed to the experience of individual firm members. The Past Performance information is limited to 4 pages and should identify the three most relevant contracts performed within the last six years. As a minimum, it should include the following: Brief narrative of work performed, customer, contract number, performance period, contract type, total contract value, technical contact and phone number, business contact and phone number and an explanation of what aspects of the contracts are deemed relevant to the proposed effort. Offerors shall also identify whether or not proposed personnel participated in the cited contracts; and if so, indicate their role. The offeror has both the duty and discretion to determine which of its prior contracts are most relevant to the currently described requirements. If unable to submit three (3) relevant contracts for past performance evaluation, it may submit a lesser number. If the offeror possesses no relevant past performance, it should affirmatively state this fact. The Government may obtain additional information for use in the evaluation of past performance from any source, including sources outside of the Government. The Government may obtain whatever information it deems most relevant to the required effort by telephonic and/or written inquiry. This information may include reviewing the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS) or past performance information from any source whatsoever. Cost Factors 1. BASIC COSTS - an evaluation of the standard hourly rate, the overtime rate and on-call rate will be made for reasonableness. The potential total cost of all 5 years will be evaluated. Quotes that are materially unbalanced will be rejected. 2. CANCELLATION POLICY ? consideration will also be given to the flexibility of the cancellation policy of the company as well as to the costs that imposed under the contractor?s Cancellation Policy. Basis for Award Cost although not scored, will be a factor in the award decision. The proposals will be analyzed to assess cost reasonableness. This is an assessment that the costs in an offeror?s proposal are realistic for the work to be performed, reflect a clear understanding of the requirements, and are consistent with the various elements of the offeror?s technical proposal. The Government will accept the offer that is considered the best value to the Government. A best value analysis will be performed taking into consideration the results of the technical evaluation, cost and past performance analysis, and perceived ability to perform timely, high quality, consistently reliable interpreter services as provided herein. In the determination of Best Value, the relative weight given to all evaluation factors other than price, when combined, is more important than price. However, offerors should note that as technical scores approach being essentially equivalent, cost will become more important in the selection decision. XI. PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS Cover Page (Standard Form 1449) The offeror should provide an original signature on the Standard Form (SF) 1449 cover page. Block 30b shall be signed to show that the offeror has read and agrees to comply with all the conditions and instructions provided in the solicitation document. A SF 1449, ?Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Items,? completed and signed by the offeror, constitutes the offeror?s acceptance of the terms and conditions of this solicitation. Therefore, the form must be executed by a representative of the offeror?s company who is authorized to commit the offeror to contractual obligations. Additionally, the offeror should complete Blocks 17a, 17b, 30a, and 30c. Administrative Information The offeror shall provide contact information (name, phone and e-mail) of individuals that will serve as the offeror?s primary and secondary points of contact for the discussion and resolution of all problems involving the contract. Contractual problems include, but are not limited to, apparent errors, potential and actual disputes, scheduling interpreters, and problems pertaining to invoices and payments. The contractor shall ensure that the level of support provided is adequate for efficient and effective contract administration, including the ability to negotiate on the contractor?s behalf. Federal Taxpayer or Employer Identification No. (TIN/EIN) Data Universal Number System (DUNS) Commercial and Govt. Entity (CAGE) Code The provisions and clauses in the RFQ are those in effect through FAC 05-15. This procurement is a total small business set-aside. The NAICS Code and the small business size standard for this procurement are 541930 and $6.5 million respectively. The offeror shall state in their offer its size status for this procurement. All responsible small business sources may submit an offer which will be considered by the agency. Offers for the services described above are due by March 26, 2007, 4:00 PM local time to Federal Highway Administration, Office of Acquisition Management, Room 4410, 400 7th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590, and must include, solicitation number, discount/payment terms, taxpayer identification number (TIN) and be signed by an authorized company representative. Offerors shall provide the information required by FAR 52.212-1 (SEP 2006), Instructions to Offerors-Commercial, which is incorporated by reference. FAR 52.212-4 (FEB 2007), Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items with its Alternate 1 is applicable. FAR 52.212-5 (NOV 2006), Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items is applicable and the applicable clauses are incorporated in the attached RFP. The FAR may be obtained via the Internet at URL: http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html. The clauses and provisions cited herein may be found at http://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_212_213.html.
- Place of Performance
- Address: 400 7th Street, SW, Washington, DC, , 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington,DC
- Zip Code: 20590
- Country: UNITED STATES
- Zip Code: 20590
- Record
- SN01249600-W 20070315/070313220443 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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