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SAMDAILY.US - ISSUE OF JUNE 23, 2021 SAM #7144
SPECIAL NOTICE

R -- Public Information & Communication Services Contract II (PICSII) Pre-Sol/Special Notice

Notice Date

6/21/2021 5:45:09 AM
 

Notice Type

Special Notice
 

NAICS

511199 — All Other Publishers
 

Contracting Office

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH OLAO BETHESDA MD 20892 USA
 

ZIP Code

20892
 

Solicitation Number

NIHODSN61821
 

Response Due

7/25/2021 7:00:00 AM
 

Archive Date

08/09/2021
 

Small Business Set-Aside

SBA Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
 

Description

Public Information & Communication Services Contract II (PICSII) IDIQ� Pre-Sol/Special Notice # NIHODSN61821 The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of the Director, Office of Acquisitions, is providing this special notice of the multiple contract modification in accordance with FAR 5.201(b)(1)(ii)� to modify and increase the contract ceiling for all of the Public Information & Communication Services Contract II (PICSII) for the following master contracts.� �������� HHSN263201800050I� Betah Associates, Inc. �������� HHSN263201800051I� BLH Technologies, Inc. �������� HHSN263201800052I� CSR, Inc.��� �������� 75N98019D00007������� FORs Marsh Group�� �������� HHSN263201800053I Hager Sharp� �������� HHSN263201800054I Hendall, Inc.��� �������� HHSN263201800055I� IQ Solutions, Inc.� �������� HHSN263201800056I NOVA Research Company� �������� HHSN263201800057I Palladian Partners�� �������� HHSN263201800058I The Scientific Consulting Group, Inc.� The contracts were awarded for a base period of twelve months� and four twelve- month option periods under PSC Code: R701 & NAICS Code: 511199. The date of the awards was 12/17/2018 and the contracts will expire on 12/16/2023� including �all options periods. This activity is being conducted in part as a requirement for the ceiling increase.� There are no updates to the statement of work. This request is to increase the current ceiling of $500,000,000.00 by $500,000,000.00 to $1,000,000,000.00, to be awarded throughout the remaining three (3) option years: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented an unprecedented need for services provided by the PICSII IDIQ contracts.� Specifically, there is a significantly greater need for PICS II marketing and communication services than originally estimated at the pre-award stage prior to the advent of COVID-19.� The ten (10) small business contractors have been competitively awarded� contracts to provide communications support under the PICS II IDIQ vehicle. It is critical to maintain continuity while we witness a time when the public�s health is being challenged more than ever before by the novel coronavirus. It is in the best interest of the Government to have these contractors continue to provide services which are anticipated to continue to increase due to constantly evolving COVID-19 requirements. The current contractors also have the appropriate expertise, infrastructure, and operational capabilities to efficiently provide all the services described in the statement of work (SOW). Capability Statement Requirements and Delivery Instructions This notice is not a solicitation for competitive proposals. However, if interested contractors �believe that they can meet the requirements of the statement of work, for market research purposes, they can submit statement of capabilities in 15 pages or less to PICSII@od.nih.gov �by June 25, 2021 @10:00 AM Eastern Time. Responses received after June 25, 2021 @ 10:00 AM Eastern Time will not be accepted. Submissions must contain information in sufficient detail to allow the government to determine if the party can meet the requirements as described in the SOW. �Submissions will be evaluated based on your organization�s ability to provide all management, administration, staffing, planning, scheduling, procuring, assembling, tracking and reporting for all items or services required under this master contract and/or individual task order(s). The information received will be considered solely for market research purposes. This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response.� Disclaimer and Important Notes. This is not a solicitation for competitive proposals.� It is emphasized that responses to this� Notice are not considered offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Confidentiality - No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. Point of Contact: Sharmaine Fagan, Contracting Officer, Sharmaine.fagan@nih.gov PICS II Statement of Work Purpose This master contract will enable the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Operating Divisions (OPDIVS) and on a case by case basis, other Federal agencies to achieve and maintain high quality performance in the areas of media, communication, and information dissemination and technology by purchasing superior communication goods and services, especially where this expertise does not exist in-house. This solicitation will result in multiple task order contracts. Most task orders will be for goods and services related to medicine, health, and science and will originate from the NIH and its component Institutes and Centers. C.2 Background Information The NIH is the U.S. Federal Government�s primary medical research agency and is one of several health agencies within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The NIH is now one of the world�s foremost biomedical research agencies and serves as the focal point for American biomedical research within the Federal Government. NIH began in 1887 as a one-room Laboratory of Hygiene and today is comprised of 27 separate Institutes and Centers (ICs), most of which are located on a 322-acre campus located in Bethesda, Maryland. The annual NIH budget is now more than $30 billion. The NIH mission is to uncover new knowledge that will lead to better health for everyone. NIH works toward that mission by conducting research in its own laboratories; supporting non-Federal scientists at universities, teaching hospitals, and other academic institutions around the world; sponsoring training programs for research investigators; and fostering the communication of research-based health information. C.3 Scope of the Contract HHS, the NIH, and NIH component ICs are engaged in diverse communications activities that reflect profound shifts in American demographics and a continuously changing communication landscape. This landscape primarily reflects an important trend: the increasingly prevalent link between health, science, and medical communications and the digital world. It also reflects several communications imperatives. Health, scientific, and medical agencies must: a) continue to address the question of how various audiences prefer to obtain information; b) pursue integrative strategies that appeal to agency audiences; and c) make health and science information more accessible and reliable to the widest audiences possible. Communications activities include consumer-oriented information clearinghouses; national exhibit programs; comprehensive public awareness, education, prevention campaigns; and more. NIH and its partner agencies at HHS will use this contract to purchase comprehensive communication, evaluation, and social marketing services. Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR) Subpart 17.5 (�Interagency Acquisitions�) provides the authority for placement of orders for needed supplies and services between major organizational units within an agency and authorizes agencies to enter into mutual agreements to obtain supplies or services by inter-agency acquisition. Task orders require for several contract types and terms, including firm fixed-price, time and material, and labor hour. This solicitation will allow the NIH and its partner agencies at HHS to minimize delay and administrative burden; fulfill their public affairs missions by purchasing a full range of comprehensive communication, evaluation, and social marketing goods and services; and improve efficiency and speed in both Federal acquisitions and work performed. The procurement requirements of Offices utilizing the acquisition will vary. Contracted firms and individuals should well understand the mission, mandate, and vision of HHS, the NIH, and NIH component Institutes and centers, and shall be able to work with a wide variety of media, including but not limited to audiovisual, print, display, and computer-based media. The NIH has created a number of service categories listed below. C.4 Contract Environment C.4.1 General Contracted firms shall provide all management, administration, staffing, planning, scheduling, procuring, assembling, tracking, and reporting for all items or services required under this master contract and/or individual task order(s). This shall include but is not limited to the following: a) All activities associated with recruiting and hiring qualified staff members, such as, advertising, screening applicants, conducting interviews, checking references, and ensuring the completion of any mandatory training. b) Maintaining �in-house� skills, teaming and/or subcontracting arrangements to ensure that staff members meet required minimum experience, skills, and knowledge and are available on short notice. c) Screening and processing prospective contract staff to ensure that all contractor employees used under this contract meet personnel hiring and security requirements. d) All activities associated with management of contractor facilities that may be utilized in the execution of work outlined under this master contract, including required space, equipment, furniture, supplies, property, and requisite maintenance. e) Utilizing electronic means to conduct business transactions under this master contract to the maximum extent feasible. This will include, but is not limited to the following: contractor receipt of Statements of Work (SOW), contractor submission of proposals in response to such requests, Government/contractor electronic mail exchanges to support administration of active task orders, contractor invoicing, and electronic funds transfer for payment of approved invoices. f) Ensuring that any facilities used for contractor performance meet all physical security and safety requirements of this contract. g) Planning, scheduling, and procuring any airfare, accommodations, and ground transportation for all approved travel by contractor personnel. Contractors must ensure that invoiced travel costs are itemized in accordance with Government travel guidelines in effect at the time of travel. h) Making all necessary arrangements to ensure that contractor personnel performing field work have all necessary supplies and equipment by the time they arrive at the site. i) Procuring items/services on behalf of the Government. Such purchases are only allowed for those hardware or software items determined to be integral to the performance of a task order and approved by the Contracting Officer. A competitive price analysis will be performed and properly documented to prove price competition was obtained or justification for not obtaining competition. If use of GSA Schedules is authorized, contractors shall follow the requirements outlined in FAR 8.4 (�Misconduct�) before placing the order. j) Tracking and reporting on Government-furnished property (GFP). The contractor is responsible for adequate care and safekeeping of all Government-furnished materials, including, but not limited to inventory tracking and reporting. Contractors shall reimburse the Government for any Government-furnished materials lost or stolen while in the contractors� safekeeping. Contractors shall also provide all management, administration and staffing for all activities associated with preparing proposals in response to a request for proposal and/or SOW, submitting the proposals, and negotiating task order requirements. C.4.2 Access to Training and Materials for Persons with Impairments Contractors shall be responsible for making all training courses and training materials accessible to persons with visual and hearing impairments as specified in task orders. This requirement includes but is not be limited to provision of sign language or oral interpreters for individuals with hearing impairments; providing access to transcripts and summaries, captioned media files, Braille, or large print materials for the visually-impaired; preparing documents in text accessible formats (e.g., as RFT files); or employing use of an amplification system (e.g., FM systems) upon request. Contractors may also be required to prepare all online or computerized documents in a manner accessible to screen readers. In addition, task orders may require copies of deliverables to be submitted in Braille or in enlarged print hard copy. Without exception, any and all Federal events require contractors to provide accommodation for mobility-impaired persons. C.4.3 Restrictions and Equivalencies in Labor Categories There may be occasions when a contractor believes that an employee is the right person to perform the work under a task order, but the individual does not meet the labor category specifications for the task order. This may occur because the individual possesses special talents, skills, or experience that enables that individual to perform at a level of competency expected for a specific labor category for a particular task. The Government recognizes that such instances may occur and will consider a qualification waiver. The burden of proof to provide evidence of the special talents, skills, or experiences that warrant a qualification waiver is on the contractor. The waiver request shall be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer (CO) and Contracting Officer�s Representative (COR). In such cases, contractors shall receive written approval from the CO before the substituted individual can work on the task order. The Government shall review the waiver request and respond in writing within five working days of its receipt. C.4.4 Applicable Substitutions C.4.4.1 Experience Substitutions: H.S. Diploma + 4 years applicable experience may be substituted for a Bachelor�s degree. Bachelor�s Degree + 2 years applicable experience may be substituted for a Master�s degree. Master�s Degree + 3 years applicable experience may be substituted for a Ph.D. degree. C.5 Corporate Area Contractors shall institute and maintain a management structure to respond to and negotiate task order request for proposals and/or SOW. Contractors shall also maintain access to resources that can be called upon to fulfill task order requirements under this contract. Contractors shall maintain a management structure with overall task order control and authority for the performance of the work. At a minimum, contractors� management structure shall be responsible for the following throughout the lifecycle of each task order: a) Deploying a technically proficient and professionally capable staff. b) Keeping personnel turnover to a minimum and ensuring individuals are motivated to achieve excellent performance. c) Ensuring problems are minimized and unavoidable problems are resolved with minimal disruption to the activities performed under the task order. d) Obtaining continuous feedback on performance from appropriate Government personnel and disseminating feedback to contractor personnel on all areas of task order performance. e) Continually monitoring the quality of all products and services provided for purposes of identifying and implementing performance improvements; and f) Ensuring that all resources necessary to perform the task order are identified with clearly defined roles and deployed on schedule. A successful effort will be predicated on the management practices applied by the Government and its contractors. The performance of task orders pursuant to this contract shall be in accordance with a contractor�s best corporate business practices as set forth in each proposal and as accepted by the Government. C.6 Labor Category Descriptions/Experience for Principal Task Areas C.6.1. Program Manager: Responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating overall program policies and directing subordinate managers/staff. Directs and manages the operation of several programs/projects. Administration/ management/ monitoring responsibilities include, but may not be limited to: establishment of goals, objectives, performance requirements, standards, and accountability; administration of program costs and budget; management and operation of programs; project execution; and contract compliance and deliverable schedules for projects including media, marketing, graphics, website design, video production and other communication activities, outreach, market research, and analysis. Minimum Education/Experience: M.A. or equivalent professional degree in an associated field, and a minimum of (10) years of related experience or an equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. C.6.2. Deputy Program Manager: Serves as the project manager for large, complex task order (or a group of task orders affecting the same common/standard/migration system). Able to assist the Program Manager in working with the Government�s CO, the contract-level Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), the task order-level COR(s), government management personnel and customer agency representatives. Under the guidance of the Program Manager, responsible for the overall management of the specific task order(s) and ensuring that the technical solutions and schedules in the task order are implemented in a timely manner. Minimum Education/Experience: B.A. /B.S. degree in business or other related discipline. A minimum of (12) years of experience of which at least (7) years must be specialized in project development from inception to deployment and demonstrated capability in managing multi-task contracts and/or subcontracts of various types and complexity. C.6.3. Project Manager: Provides management of project activities, personnel and administrative functions related to specific tasks and ensures that technical solutions and schedules are implemented in a timely manner. Directs and manages staff assignments and monitors product quality and ensures project milestones meet deliverable schedules, and reports on project status to the project manager. Minimum Education/Experience: B.A. /B.S. in communications, journalism, or other related training. C.6.4. Meeting Planner: Supervises on-site logistical support activities including room set-up, audiovisual requirements, manages logistical activities associated with planning and implementing meetings, conferences, trade show exhibits, and other events. Maintains close contact with the client project officer throughout event planning and implementation. Negotiates site contracts for meetings. Develops status and end-of-event reports for clients. Develops and maintains participant databases using meeting planning software. Verifies and reconciles host hotel and other vendor invoices. Minimum Education/Experience: B.A. /B.S. or high school diploma with strong administrative skills and (2) years of relevant experience. C.6.5. Jr. Meeting Planner: Provides guidance to team members assigns exhibitor space, overseas booth set up, orders booth furniture and required audiovisual and equipment, collects participant and exhibitor registration fees when applicable. Minimum Education/Experience: B.A. /B.S. or high school diploma with strong administrative skills and (2) years of relevant experience. C.6.6. Web Designer: Directs and manages the design, development, and management of client web sites. Minimum Education/Experience: Must have a diploma or equivalent certification as well as advanced experience in web design, website development, web production management, web-based scripting language, and design standards and file types. Must have working knowledge or Section 508 standards as well as experience with design-related graphics and relevant applications such as Adobe. C.6.7. Web Developer: Builds web pages using a variety of graphics software applications and web-based scripting language(s), manages and performs website editorial activities, analyzes complex technical problems, develops and renders solutions, develops site content, aids in all web projects involving desktop publishing and website design and development. Minimum Education/Experience: Certification in web applications. Must have experience in website development. Must have experience in web page design, web-based scripting language(s), and web graphics files and standards. C.6.8. IT Specialist: Provides administrative support for activities pertaining to software applications utilizing commercial database management systems. Includes: user administration, data gathering, data retrieval, and manipulations. Reviews computer systems in terms of machine capabilities and man-machine interface. Prepares reports and studies concerning hardware. Prepares functional requirements and specifications. Minimum Education/Experience: Must have minimum relevant experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. C.6.9. Scientific Writer: This interdisciplinary position involves analyzing scientific data and translating the information into writing that can easily be understood by readers. Responsible for composing a variety of documents about physical, medical, chemical, or biological sciences. Write for a variety of media, including periodicals, books, websites, and newspapers. Readers of these publications can be experts or laypeople. Science writers are responsible for conveying information to a wide audience successfully. Minimum Education/Experience: B.A./B.S. in a scientific field and (3) years of relevant experience. C.6.10. Sr. Writer: Formulates and writes copies for projects including fact sheets, project summaries, monthly progress reports, informational packets, press releases, publications, and web content. Provides technical writing, editing and proofreading support for materials such as reports, news releases, fact sheets web content, and scripts. Collaborates with subject matter experts, researchers, and graphic artist to produce documents. Minimum Education/Experience: B.A. in Journalism, Communication, English, or related field and (5) years of experience. C.6.11. Jr. Writer: Provides technical writing support for project deliverables. Conducts research, identifies subject matter experts, and conducts interviews. Gathers data and collates and organizes facts for inclusion in written products. Develops drafts and submits them for review. Proofreads copy written by project team members and client. Plans web and print products. Minimum Education/Experience: B.A. in Journalism, Communications, English, or related field and (3) years of technical/editing experience. C.6.12. Editor: Provides technical writing, editing, and proofreading support for materials such as reports, news releases, fact sheets, web content, and scripts. Minimum Education/Experience: B.A. in Journalism, Communications, English, or related field and (5) years of technical/editing experience. C.6.13. Subject Matter Expert (SME): SMEs are persons widely considered to be experts in a subject, topic or field and may have a diploma, certification, or equivalent experience in their areas of expertise. Performs a variety of work to evaluate and apply new methodologies for problem-resolution while ensuring that systems are in compliance with organizational requirements. Analyzes agency needs to determine functional requirements, performs functional allocation to identify required tasks and their interrelationships. Develops recommendations for organizational process changes to include new solutions and new technologies. Identifies resources required for each task. Minimum Education/Experience: Advanced degree or equivalent training and certification in a relevant field or related discipline and (5) years of relevant, senior-level experience. C.6.14. Executive Administrative Asst.: Performs a variety of administrative functions for executives and project team members. Familiar with a variety of field concepts, practices, and procedures. Generates reports, handles multiple projects, and prepares and monitors invoices and expense reports. May direct and lead the work of others. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Minimum Education/Experience: B.A./B.S. in a related discipline and (5) years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. C.6.15. Clerk: Under supervision performs coding and filing of documents, familiarity with basic office procedures, operates office equipment, e.g., multi-line/voice systems, office machines, and minimal computer programs. Clerical duties often vary in type and sequence depending on task. Customer service skills should be emphasized. Duties include generic clerical skills such as greeting and directing visitors, fielding phone calls, scheduling meetings, responding to callers, taking minutes, composing memos, transcribing, developing presentations, generating reports, and monitoring invoices and expense reports. Minimum Education/Experience: High School diploma and (2) years of strong administrative support or related field experience. C.6.16. Production Assistant: Provides document production support by operating computer equipment to compile, type, revise, combine, edit, revise, print, label, organize, and store documents. Minimum Education/Experience: B.A./B.S. degree or High School diploma and (3) years of strong administrative support or related field experience. C.6.17. Graphic Artist/Designer: Develops and designs layouts across all mediums (print and electronic) that have a clear focus, theme, and message for intended audiences. Minimum Education/Experience: B.A./B.F.A. in design (e.g., graphics, marketing, or other discipline) with a minimum of (5) years of experience in graphics or advertising C.6.18. Translators and Interpreters: Provides language translation and interpretation services at the level of a native speaker or as certified to be able to interpret and translate at the level of a native speaker. Minimum Education/Experience: B.A./B.S. degree in an associated discipline or (2) years of relevant experience and accredited by the American Translators Association or other similar and pertinent accrediting and certification institution (e.g., health interpreters� organizations). C.6.19. Warehouse Manager: Provides asset management system to monitor and track customer�s office furniture and equipment inventory. Provides a physical inventory of furniture and furnishings, bar-coding services, including developing bar code standards, bar-coding individual office items and develops a bar code data base. Flow chart current processes and develops recommendations to improve processes. Manages the process for the proper disposition of Federal Government property in accordance with applicable rules and regulations, as required. Organizational skills and customer service shall be emphasized. Minimum Education/Experience: B.A./B.S. or High School diploma with strong administrative skills and (4) years of relevant experience. C.6.20. Warehouse/Skilled Labor (Gen): Performs general labor tasks including loading, unloading, lifting, and moving materials, Experience operating heavy machinery in warehouse, i.e. forklifts. Minimum Education/Experience: H.S. diploma or its equivalent with (3) years of experience in the field or related area. C.6.21. Unskilled Labor (Gen): Performs general labor tasks. Minimum Education/Experience: H.S. diploma or its equivalent with (1) year of experience in the field or related area. C.6.22. Couriers: Provides services related to pick up and delivery of boxes, packages, and mail. Minimum Education/Experience: H.S. diploma or its equivalent with (2) years of experience in the field or related area. C.6.23. System Engineer: Provides highly technical expertise in the use of complex applications. Evaluates and recommends available products to support validated user requirements. Defines file organization, indexing methods, and security procedures for specific user applications. Provides direct support to consultants and other senior personnel. Minimum Education/Experience: Must have relevant experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. C.6.24. Senior Analyst: Leads design of project solutions and manages project. Provides primary point of contact with client and is the senior technical advisor. Provides strategic guidance in areas of formulating requirements, analyzing project proposals, recommending optimum approaches, and developing system design. Formulates specifications for developers to use in producing product deliverables. Minimum Education/Experience: B.A./B.S. and a minimum of (7) years of experience with (4) years of supervisory responsibility. C.6.25. Strategic Planner: Provides direction and guidance for program, task, or event operations. Works closely with customer to develop and implement plan. Works with logistics coordinators and team members to develop and execute work plans. Minimum Education/Experience: B.A./B.S. and/or (8) years of experience developing agenda for professional conferences and meetings. Experience in developing and implementing marketing plans and building exhibits. C.6.26. Professional Trainer: Trains personnel by conducting formal classroom courses, workshops, and seminars. Prepares instructor materials. Develops and revises courses and prepares appropriate training catalogs. Prepares student materials (training aids, presentations, course outlines, workbooks, handouts, completion certificates, and course critique forms). Minimum Education/Experience: B.A./B.S. or specialty accreditation or equivalent certification and (3) years of senior-level experience in the field or related area. C.6.27. Call Center Staff: Serve as lead points-of-contact at contracted help desk and carries out help desk activities and responsibilities, including preparation, execution, and record-keeping related to timely response of phone, written, and in-person inquiries. Conduct information dissemination activities. Also serve as points-of-contact for troubleshooting computer equipment. Minimum Education/Experience: Must have relevant experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. C.6.28. Call Center Manager: Provides daily supervision and direction of help desk (inquiry response) responsibilities and activities. Oversees help desk and directs contractor-programs related to agency information dissemination. Provides first-point-of-contact troubleshooting computer equipment. Maintains documentation of help desk activities. Prepares reports and participates in planning meetings. Minimum Education/Experience: Must have relevant experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. C.6.29. Exhibit Designer: Responsible for lead design, oversight, production, delivery, and installation of exhibits and their accompanying materials. Design responsibilities include but are not limited to conceptualizing, designing, revising, and producing exhibits and their accompanying materials; updating and repairing existing materials; and overseeing transport, installation, and storage of property to and from designated site(s). Provides and/or makes recommendations for design, installation, and maintenance of exhibits and exhibit property for future use. Makes all necessary arrangements for exhibits in venues (tradeshows, Government sites, non-Federal, exhibit venues, et al.). Minimum Education/Experience: B.A./B.S. in a relevant discipline and minimum of (2) years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. C.6.30. Exhibit Production Staff: Under supervision of the exhibit designer, prepares facilities for receipt and installation of materials associated with exhibit set-up, Interacts with facility personnel in coordinating booth assignments, and serves as a liaison for transport, lighting, set-up, security, and storage of...
 

Web Link

SAM.gov Permalink
(https://beta.sam.gov/opp/127bc632b6234b8ca7f8c8d3d834dab5/view)
 

Place of Performance

Address: Bethesda, MD 20892, USA

Zip Code: 20892

Country: USA
 

Record

SN06036922-F 20210623/210621230110 (samdaily.us)
 

Source

SAM.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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