(3) Do the prospective contractor's engineers have the specialized engineering experience considered necessary to build the product required by the solicitation?

(4) How many engineers will be assigned to the proposed contract?

(5) Will the engineers who will be assigned to the proposed contract also be assigned to other projects?

(6) If the engineers will be assigned to other projects, at what time during the proposed contract will they actually commence work on the proposed contract?

(7) What percentage of each engineer's time will be devoted to the proposed contract?

(8) Does the prospective contractor propose to employ consultants to assist in any of the engineering or technical areas? If so, are the consultants available? (Give name, address, experience, and confirm that arrangements have been made for these services.)

(9) Does the prospective contractor have qualified technical writers and do they intend to write their own instruction books or other manuals required by the contract? Explain, equating the technical writer's experience with the specific requirements.

(10) If the prospective contractor intends to obtain outside technical writing services, are such services immediately available? (Give name, address, experience, and confirm that arrangements have been made for these services.)

(b) Quality and reliability assurance. (1) Does the prospective contractor have a Quality Control or Quality Assurance Department?

(2) Does the prospective contractor have written Quality Control or Quality Assurance procedures? If so, obtain a copy.

(3) Are the prospective contractor's quality procedures now implemented in all respects?

(4) Do the prospective contractor's responsible quality control personnel fully understand all quality control inspection, testing, source inspection and certification of compliance requirements of the solicitation?

(5) Do the prospective contractor's quality control personnel have the specialized inspection experience considered necessary to test the product required by the solicitation? Explain.

(6) Does the prospective contractor have the necessary facilities and equipment, including peculiar or special test equipment for performing all tests required and will it be available for the proposed work? (Obtain list of required test equipment.)

(7) Are the prospective contractor's quality assurance procedures and controls adequate in all respects to meet the requirements of the solicitation?

(c) Summary of technical qualification. (1) Do you find the prospective contractor's

engineering, quality control and other technical staff competent to satisfactorily complete the proposed contract? Explain, equating the technical competency, and experience to the specific item(s) required.

FACILITIES

(a) Land, buildings, production, and test equipment. (1) What is the area of land on which building(s) is located?

(2) Describe buildings.

(3) Describe floor area: (i) Administrative, (ii) Engineering, (iii) Production, (iv) Storage, (v) Maintenance, etc.

(4) Obtain list of type, quantity, and condition of prospective contractor-owned production equipment and test equipment.

(5) Does the prospective contractor employ preventive maintenance and are maintenance facilities available and adequate?

(6) What percentage of equipment and facilities (including land and buildings) are:

(i) Being purchased (ii) Owned.. (iii) Leased

(7) Are any facilities or equipment Government-owned? If so, from whom and under what terms and conditions are they leased?

(8) Will any conversion of existing facilities and equipment be required to produce the solicitation item(s)?

(9) Does the prospective contractor have the necessary facilities for domestic and/or overseas packing of the items required? If subcontracted, identify by name and location the proposed subcontractor.

(10) Are present facilities, including production and test equipment, adequate to fulfill the requirements of the solicitation?

(11) If any part is leased, what portion and under what terms and conditions?

(b) Production capacity. (1) Is the item to be procured a stock item with the prospective contractor? If so, are stock quantities sufficient to supply initial or all quantities on the schedule?

(2) What is the current condition of the prospective contractor's Government Order Board?

(i) Indicate backlog in man-hours and dollars.

(ii) Indicate monthly production rate (in dollars and man-hours or percent of company's overall capacity).

(3) What is the current condition of the prospective contractor's Commercial Order Board?

(i) Indicate backlog in man-hours and dol

lars.

(ii) Indicate monthly production rate (in dollars and man-hours or percent of company's overall capacity).

(4) Does the prospective contractor use records and charts, i.e., production flow charts, operation sheets, and machine-loading charts, to schedule and control production? Obtain from the prospective contractor a copy of his projected master production schedule; and, if possible, a man-hour breakdown related to the schedule. Ascertain if the schedule is feasible and compatible with the proposed contract schedule. If the situation does not warrant obtaining proposed schedules from the prospective contractor, prepare one from the information (data) developed during the survey.

(5) List the names and addresses of important potential subcontractors and the functions which such subcontractors will perform; e.g., shop testing, packaging, annealing, anodizing, etc. Quoted delivery time for these services should also be obtained. Are the delivery times realistic and compatible with the solicitation schedule?

(6) List the names and addresses of suppliers who are to provide critical and components, and/or materials for the contract; e.g., major components, materials in short supply, items which would normally be expected to have long delivery periods, and items needed relatively early in the production process. List such items, the quantities required, and the required delivery dates. Vendor's quoted delivery dates shall also be listed.

(i) Are vendor deliveries in line with lead time required to meet the production schedule? Are vendor-quoted deliveries realistic?

(7) Equating the prospective contractor's present production schedule commitments for Government and commercial orders and schedule requirements of the solicitation with his overall capacity, is there now sufficient production capacity to produce the required items within the required delivery schedule?

(c) Transportation. (1) Will the end items of the proposed contract require special transportation handling or facilities?

(2) Are the transportation facilities (rail, motor, truck, etc.) available to the prospective contractor adequate for the delivery of end items of the proposed contract?

(d) Power and fuel. (1) Does the proposed contract require any special power or fuel requirements?

(2) Is the prospective contractor's power and fuel supply sufficient to enable the prospective contractor to meet all performance requirements of the proposed contract?

(e) Government property. (1) Does the prospective contractor have written procedures for control of Government property?

(2) Is there a particular employee designated as a Government property representative?

(3) What facilities does the prospective contractor have for protecting and safeguarding of GFP?

(4) Does the solicitation provide for the furnishing of GFP? Does the prospective contractor plan to ask for any GFP? If so, identify type of property and reason for request.

(5) Will the prospective contractor acquire any property for the Government other than that to be incorporated into the end item(s)? If so, identify the type of property. Does the prospective contractor's control system provide for control of contractor-acquired property as well as GFP?

(f) Security. (1) Does the proposed contract require plant security clearance? (2) What Government agency has plant security cognizance of the contractor's facility?

(3) What is the level of security clearance that has been granted the contractor's facility by a Government agency?

(g) Summary of facilities. Are the facilities of the prospective contractor adequate in all respects to satisfactorily perform the proposed contract?

SKILLS

(a) Present number of employees by skills. (1) Professional (Scientific)

(2) Engineers

(3) Quality Control

(4) Production

(5) Managerial or Administrative(6) Others

(b) What is the present work schedule (number of work shifts, hours per shift, number of employees per shift, and work days per week)?

(c) Is present work schedule and personnel complement adequate to satisfactoriy perform the proposed contract concurrently with present commitments? If additional personnel are required, are the necessary skills available? In particular evaluate the need for, and availability of, any unusual or scarce skills.

(d) What, if any, is (are) the prospective contractor's present labor affiliation(s)? Give dates of expiration of any existing collective bargaining agreements.

(e) Does anything indicate any current or anticipated problems with the labor force? Does the prospective contractor have the necessary skills to satisfactorily perform the proposed contract?

OFFEROR'S RECORD OF INTEGRITY, JUDGMENT, AND PERFORMANCE

(a) Has the prospective contractor previously completed a contract with the Depart

No

ment? Yes▬▬ Identify the contracts by commodity and total value. (1) Were delivery schedules met? If not, why?

(2) What problems, if any, were encountered?

(b) Has the prospective contractor previously completed contracts for other Government agencies? Yes-- - No

(1) Were delivery schedules met? If not, why?

(2) What problems, if any, were encountered?

(c) Does the prospective contractor presently have Department contracts? Identify contracts by number, commodity, and value.

(1) Is contract(s) on schedule? If not, why? (2) What problems are being encountered? (3) What percentage of current contracts are delinquent in performance?

(4) Did the Government cause or contribute to the problems or were they within the control of the contractor?

(d) Does the prospective contractor presently have contracts with other Government agencies? Identify by agency, number, commodity and value.

(1) Is contract on schedule? If not, why? (2) What problems are being encountered? (3) What percentage of current contracts are delinquent in performance?

(4) Did the Government cause or contribute to the problems or were they within the control of the contractor?

(e) Has the prospective contractor required unusual and burdensome (to the Government) assistance (e.g., inspection, testing) on above contracts?

(f) Does the prospective contractor have a satisfactory record of integrity, judgment, and performance?

each heading will be based on the information developed with the guide in DOTPR 12-1.5603 and other relevant facts deemed pertinent by the representative responsible for performing the survey.) Organization: Financial: Experience:

Technical qualifications:

(a) Engineering competence.

(b) Quality and reliability assurance. Facilities:

(a) Land, buildings, and production and test equipment.

(b) Production capacity.

(c) Transportation.

(d) Power and fuel.

(e) Government property. (f) Security. Skills:

Prospective Contractor's Record of Integrity, Judgment, Performance and Ability to Comply With Time of Delivery or Performance Schedule:

Conclusion: This conclusion must specifically state the standards which the prospective contractor does meet, and the standards which the prospective contractor does not meet. As an example of a prospective contractor who meets all standards, the conclusion should be written similar to the following:

"Based on the facts developed during this on-site evaluation, it is concluded that (prospective contractor) has the necessary organization, experience, technical qualifications, skills, facilities, satisfactory record of integrity, judgment and performance, and has the ability to comply with the required delivery (or performance) schedule." Signature:

EVALUATION OF BIDS FOR MULTIPLE AWARDS

In addition to other factors, bids will be evaluated on the basis of advantages or disadvantages to the Government that might result from making more than one award (multiple awards). For the purpose of making this evaluation, it will be assumed that the amount of $100 would be the administrative cost to the Government for issuing and administering each contract awarded under this invitation, and individual awards will be for the items and combinations of items which result in the lowest aggregate price to the Government, including such administrative costs.

§ 12-2.202-1 Bidding time.

The minimum bidding times set forth in FPR 1-2.202-1 and 1-1.3074(a) should not be construed to be maximum or automatic bidding times. The bidding time permitted under each procurement should reflect the considered judgment of the contracting officer taking into account all of the facts surrounding the procurement, and recognizing that doubts should be resolved in favor of a longer rather than a shorter bidding time. If the bidding time for any procurement is reduced below the minimum, the reduction shall be fully justified and documented in the contract file by the contracting officer.

§ 12-2.202-2 Telegraphic bids.

When telegraphic bids are authorized, include the following provision in the Schedule of the invitation:

TELEGRAPHIC BIDS

Telegraphic bids may be submitted in response to this invitation for bids. Telegraphic bids must be received in this office prior to the time specified for opening of bids. Such bids must specifically refer to this invitation for bids, include the item or sub-items, quantities and unit prices for which the bid is submitted and the time and place of delivery; and contain all the representations and other information required by the invitation for bids together with a statement that the bidder agrees to all the terms, conditions and provisions of the invitation. Failure to furnish, in the telegraphic bid, the representations and information required by the invitation for bids may necessitate rejection of the bid. Signed copies of the invitation for bids must be furnished in confirmation of the telegraphic bids.

§ 12-2.202-5 Descriptive literature.

(a) Descriptive literature shall not be required of the bidder unless all requirements of FPR 1-2.202-5 and this § 12-2.202-5 have been met.

(b) The justification required by FPR 1-2.202-5(c) must state, in sufficient detail, the reasons why acceptable products cannot be procured without the submission of descriptive literature. A justification that states little more than the conclusion that descriptive literature is required is not acceptable. Bidders shall not, except in the most unusual circumstances

which can be clearly justified, be required to furnish descriptive literature when the specifications are stated in such detail that they leave nothing for the bidder to describe.

(c) Among other things, FPR 12.202-5(d) requires **the invitation for bids shall clearly state what descriptive literature is to be furnished, the purpose for which it is required, the extent to which it will be considered in the evaluation of bids, and the rules which will apply if a bidder fails to furnish it before bid opening *." The asterisked note in FPR 1-2.202-5(d)(1) lists categories of general subjects which may be appropriate for inclusion in the Requirement for Descriptive Literature clause. A mere repetition of these subjects in the clause is not sufficient to establish a common basis for evaluation of bids.

(d) An invitation for bids must contain sufficient particularity to put bidders on notice (1) as to why the descriptive data is necessary, and (2) as to how much detail the bidder must furnish in his descriptive data for his bid to be considered responsive.

§ 12-2.203-1 Mailing or delivery to prospective bidders.

(a) Copies of invitations may be furnished for informational purposes to nongovernmental organizations such as trade associations and bidding informational services, provided they lend some assistance in advertising the requirements. The extent to which supporting papers (drawings, specifications and general provisions) are furnished will depend on how the organizations intend to use the material. If they merely prepare a synopsis of bid solicitations for distribution to their members or subscribers, the invitation itself should suffice. If, however, they provide a reading room service (such as various trade associations do for construction projects), a complete set of all papers should be furnished without cost.

(b) In connection with invitations for construction, where the cost of reproduction and distribution of plans or drawings is a substantial cost item, the extent of distribution of bidding papers may be controlled by charging prospective contractors and subcon

tractors a flat, nonrefundable deposit fee. This method is preferred over the use of a refundable deposit system. When the plan fee method is used, arrangements should be made for plans and other bidding papers to be readily available for free inspection at the originating procurement office and other appropriate procurement offices, trade association reading rooms, and similar locations. The nonrefundable plan fee should be $5, $10, or $15 per set, or more as may be appropriate. The value of the project and the cost of reproduction and distribution of the plan should be considered in determining the fee to be charged. No additional charge should be made for plans which are revised or added after the invitation is issued, or for additional plans required by the successful bidder. Plan fees collected are for deposit in the "Miscellaneous Receipts" account.

§ 12-2.203-3 Publicity in newspapers and trade journals.

(a) Section 3703 of title 44 of the United States Code provides that “All advertisements, notices, proposals for contracts, and all forms of advertising required by law for the several departments of the Government may be paid for at a price not to exceed the commercial rates charged to private individuals, with the usual discounts." Section 3701 of the same title prohibits advertising in any newspaper published and printed in the District of Columbia unless the supplies or labor to be secured are to be furnished or performed in the District of Columbia or in the adjoining counties in Maryland and Virginia.

(b) The head of the agency may authorize the publication of advertisements, notices, or proposals relating to the procurement and disposal of real and personal property and services. This authority may be delegated, but without power to further delegate, to subordinate officials.

(c) Standard Forms 1143 and 1143a shall be used to place orders for paid advertising.