Description
This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information contained in this notice. The procurement is being conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with FAR Part 13.5. This announcement constitutes the formal Request for Quotation (RFQ) NLM-11-003-UHP and a written solicitation WILL NOT be issued. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through October 2010 Federal Acquisition Regulation revision, which includes the consolidation of all Federal Acquisition Circulars 2005-45. This acquisition is NOT small business set-aside. It is the intent of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to procure health and medical news stories, in English and Spanish, written for a lay-audience, to be included in MedlinePlus. "MedlinePlus" means all NLM MedlinePlus branded Web sites, including but not limited to MedlinePlus, MedlinePlus en español, MedlinePlus Connect, MedlinePlus Mobile and MedlinePlus Mobile en español. EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD After satisfaction of identified Section 508 requirements for accessibility, the evaluation will be based, in addition to price, on the demonstrated capabilities of the perspective vendors to the meet the needs of the project as set forth in the Statement of Work. Prospective vendors must submit information sufficient to allow NLM to evaluate based on the following criteria. Technical factors are of paramount consideration; however, cost is also important to the overall award decision. All evaluation factors other than cost, when combined, are significantly more important than cost. The Government can make tradeoffs among cost and technical factors in determining which Offeror(s) provide the best value by awarding to other than the lowest cost Offeror(s) or other than the highest technically rated Offeror(s). Offeror(s) are advised that award will be made to that Offeror(s) whose quote provides the best overall value to the Government. In determining which quote represents the best value and results in the lowest overall cost alternative (considering price, special features, administrative costs, etc.) to meet the Government's needs, the Government shall evaluate quotes using the following technical evaluation criteria, which are listed in the order of relative importance with weights assigned for evaluation purposes: Requirements/Maximum Points Criterion A: 60 points Content and Understanding the Statement of Work The proposal must provide detailed evidence that the offeror understands and is able to provide the content required as described in the statement of work. This includes but is not limited to providing authoritative content in English and Spanish, governed by well-established editorial policies and practices, written at a consumer reading level, delivered at least every weekday. Criterion B: 20 points Technical Approach and Understanding the Statement of Work The proposal must provide detailed evidence that the offeror understands the statement of work and is able to meet all the technical requirements set forth. Proposal should outline offeror's understanding of the technical approach to the statement of work, how they will meet the technical requirements, and methods that will be employed to ensure the desired level of quality control. This includes but is not limited to well-formed content delivered in a desired format and able to be indexed for the search engine. The offeror should demonstrate technical expertise about these processes. Criterion C: 20 points Past Performance Offerors are required to demonstrate their ability to conform to project specifications and quality standards and adherence to delivery schedules, including those for administrative reporting. Evidence should be provided to support experience providing health news to a high-volume, non-commercial consumer Web Site. Offerors should illustrate their reputation for reasonable behavior and commitment to customer satisfaction. Provide three references with names and telephone numbers of persons with knowledge of past performance on similar efforts. Total Possible Points: 100 points It is anticipated that up to TWO AWARD(S) will be made from this solicitation. This requirement is for a base year with options for four (4) successive one-year periods. The period of performance is on or about January 11, 2011. The offeror shall include all information which documents and/or supports the qualification criteria in one clearly marked section of its proposal. ** The Statement of Work (SOW) of this requirement is attached to this solicitation. ** All proposals received by October 29, 2010, 4:30 P.M. (Eastern Standard Time) will be considered by NLM. Responses must be in writing, and must include pricing information and meet the criteria requirement. All responses from responsible sources will be considered. Inquires regarding this procurement may be made to the National Library of Medicine, Office of Acquisitions, 6707 Democracy Boulevard, Suite 105, Bethesda, Maryland 20894-5488 (20817 for courier services), Attention: Uyen H. Phuong, Contracting Officer, on (301) 496-6127. Please submit ONE (1) signed original and FOUR (4) copies of the proposals on or before 4:30 PM EST, October 29, 2010 to: Uyen H. Phuong Contracting Officer National Library of Medicine, NIH Office of Acquisitions 6707 Democracy Blvd., Suite 105 MSC 5488 Bethesda, MD 20892-5488 (20817 for courier services) The contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, executive orders, rules and regulations applicable to its performance under this order. Full text of clauses and provisions are available at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR): http://www.arnet.gov/far/. The FAR provisions and clauses sited herein are incorporated by reference into this solicitation. Offerors are advised to propose in accordance with the provision of FAR 52.212 1, Instructions to Offerors Commercial Items (June 2008). FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation - Commercial Items (January 1999). Offerors are advised to provide with their offer a completed copy of the following provisions: FAR 52.212 3, Offeror Representations and Certifications Commercial Items (October 2010)-With DUNS Number Addendum [52.204-6 (April 2008)]. The following FAR clauses apply to this acquisition: FAR 52.212 4, Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Items (June 2010) and Addendum to Clause for Year 2000 Compliance (July 1997); FAR 52 212 5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders Commercial Items (October 2010).