This notice is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items using Simplified Acquisition Procedures. This acquisition will be made in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 12.6 “Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and solicitation for commercial Items,” as applicable, and as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation (a written solicitation will not be issued) and quotes are being requested. The Solicitation number is RFQ-NIAID-2086042 and the solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotes (RFQ).

This acquisition will be processed under FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). The solicitation documents and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2021-06, Effective 07/12/2021. 

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 611430, Professional and Management Development Training, with a small business size standard of $12.0 million.

This requirement is not set-aside for small business.

Background and description of requirement:

The mission of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is to conduct and support research training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to allergic and immunologic diseases, disorders, and infectious diseases, including tropical diseases.

The Office of Acquisitions (OA) serves an integral role in fulfilling NIAID’s mission through the planning, solicitation, negotiation, award, administration and closeout of acquisitions ranging from micropurchases to large R&D and non-R&D contracts.   OA’s staff are located in Bethesda, Maryland and Hamilton, Montana. In order to best fulfill OA’s mission, ongoing training is needed in a variety of areas to maintain and improve the emotional intelligence of OA employees. OA is seeking a qualified and experienced contractor to deliver this necessary training.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has a requirement to obtain instructor led training for the following topics:

• Managing Emotions Under Pressure (1-day)

• Developing Emotional Intelligence (1-day)

• How to Communicate with Tact and Professionalism (2-day)

• Strategies to Build Rapport and Work Well with Others (1-day)

• Email Writing for the Workplace (1-day)

See the attached Statement of Work (SOW). Quotes must include a topic description for each topic.

Place of Performance:

Virtual

NIAID locations in Maryland and Montana

Period of Performance:

TBD

Approximately:

Base 09/15/2021-09/14/2022

Option Year 09/15/2022-09/14/2023

*Include your DUNS number on quote

*Include response to FAR 52.204-26 attachment and return with quote

*Include response to FAR 52.204-24 if applicable

* By submitting a quotation, you are accepting that all government terms and conditions set forth herein shall prevail over the award.

The government intends to award a firm fixed price purchase order to the responsible contractor as a result of this RFQ that will include the terms and conditions set forth herein. The award will be based the lowest price technically acceptable. By submitting a quotation, you are accepting that all government terms and conditions set forth herein shall prevail over the award. The technical evaluation will be based on the following: technical capability to meet the requirements listed on the attachment, and then price.

The following FAR provisions apply to this acquisition:

FAR 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Oct 2020)

FAR 52.204-26 Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation (Oct 2020)

FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors Commercial Items (Jul 2020)

FAR 52.212-3 Offerors Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items (Feb 2021)

Offerors must complete annual representations and certifications on-line at http://www.sam.gov/ in accordance with FAR 52.212-3 Offerors Representations and Certifications- Commercial Items (Please ensure 52.209-2 -- Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations--Representation. (Nov 2015) is updated in your SAM record)

FAR 52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements – Representation (Jan 2017)

The following FAR contract clauses apply to this acquisition:

FAR 52-212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Items (Oct 2018)

FAR 52-212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders Commercial Items (Jul 2021)

FAR 52.203-19 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements (Jan 2017)

FAR 52.204-25 Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Aug 2020)

FAR Part 52.217-8 Option to Extend the Services (Nov 1999)

FAR Part 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2000)

FAR 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Dec 2013)

FAR 52.204-19 Incorporation by Reference of Representations and Certifications (Dec 2014)

HHSAR 352.222-70, Contractor Cooperation in Equal Employment Opportunity Investigations (Dec 2015)

By submission of an offer, the offeror acknowledges the requirement that a prospective awardee shall be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to award, during performance, and through final payment of any contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchasing agreement resulting from this solicitation (www.sam.gov).

Copies of the above-referenced provisions and clauses are available from http://www.acquisition.gov & http: //www.hhs.gov/regulation/index.html or, upon request, either by telephone or fax.

Offers may be mailed, e-mailed, or faxed to Ms. Skye Duffner, (E-Mail/ [email protected] 406-802-6092). Late submissions shall be treated in accordance with the solicitation provision at FAR 52.212-1(f) (Jun 2020)

All responsible sources may submit an offer that will be considered by this Agency. 

Any questions or concerns regarding this solicitation should be forwarded in writing via e-mail to Ms. Skye Duffner at [email protected].