CLARINET MERLIN RECEIVING SYSTEM (CMRS) MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to solicitation N0018926QL001, originally dated 23 Jan 2026, makes the following changes:

• Extends the Response Due Date from 17 Feb 2026 to 23 Feb 2026 at 10 AM EST.

• Incorporates the Security Administration Clause and Provision dated 2015.

• Incorporates the Contract Administration Appointments and Duties clause.

• Response Due Date

• Contract Clauses (Security Administration, Contract Administration Appointments and Duties)

• The proposal submission deadline has been extended to 23 February 2026.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation (RFQ N0018926QL001) is for maintenance services and materials for the Clarinet Merlin Receiving System (CMRS) at BCA server sites and associated hardware. The acquisition is unrestricted.

• Maintenance services and materials for the CMRS.

• Contractor personnel services, including reimbursement of travel costs.

• Quotes must be submitted in Microsoft Office Word and Excel, with Facility Security Clearance (FCL) documents in PDF. Specific formatting guidelines for pages, fonts, and margins are provided.

• Vendors must possess an active Top Secret FCL at the time of quote submission, verified via DCSA's National Industrial Security System (NISS) no earlier than 30 days prior to solicitation issuance.

• Price quote must include completed solicitation documents, supplemental information for price reasonableness, the "Schedule of Supplies/Services", Standard Form 1449, and any amendments.

• The contract includes a base year and multiple option years (through April 19, 2031).

• The period of performance for the base year is April 20, 2026, to April 19, 2027.

• Pricing arrangements include Firm Fixed Price for maintenance services and Cost No Fee for contractor personnel services.

• Travel costs are anticipated, with a "Not to Exceed" amount for each performance period.

• Offer due date: February 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

• Quotes must be submitted to William Spencer at william.p.spencer.civ@us.navy.mil.

• Non-compliant quotes may be considered unacceptable or ineligible.

• Evaluation will be based solely on price, including total price for the base year and option periods, and travel costs. Price analysis will be used to evaluate price reasonableness.

• Verification of the required Top Secret FCL is the only non-price factor evaluated.

• This acquisition is unrestricted.

• A Top Secret FCL is a mandatory requirement for award; vendors without this clearance will be ineligible.

• Various small business representations are required.

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 811210.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-4, 52.212-3, and 52.212-5 by reference.

• Inspection and acceptance will be at the destination (NAVIFOR, 115 Lake View Parkway, Suffolk, VA 23435).

• Contractors must comply with various FAR and DFARS clauses, including those related to service contract labor standards, cybersecurity, and access to federally controlled facilities and information.

• The point of contact for solicitation information is William Spencer.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division "REGISTER OF WAGE DETERMINATIONS UNDER THE SERVICE CONTRACT ACT". It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations in a specific geographic area, which in this case is Oklahoma Counties of Canadian, Cleveland, Grady, Lincoln, Logan, McClain, and Oklahoma.

• Lists numerous occupational codes and titles.
• Specifies the minimum hourly wage rate for each occupation.
• Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing.
• Includes notes on Executive Orders related to paid sick leave and minimum wage rates for federal contractors.
• Details requirements for vacation and holidays.
• Provides information on hazardous pay differentials and uniform allowances.
• Outlines the conformance process for additional classifications and wage rates.

This document is crucial for bidders responding to solicitations that fall under the Service Contract Act. It establishes the minimum labor costs that must be factored into proposals for covered contracts. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and benefits meet or exceed the rates and requirements listed in this determination for all applicable occupations to ensure compliance and accurate cost estimation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION PLAN (CAP) FOR FIXED PRICE CONTRACTS," outlines the delineation of duties for contract administration to expedite the process. It specifies responsibilities for the Procuring Contract Office (PCO), Contract Administration Office (CAO), paying office, and the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

• Procuring Contract Office (PCO): Responsible for pre-award duties, information during the pre-award stage, Freedom of Information inquiries, changes in contract terms, and post-award conferences.
• Contract Administration Office (CAO): Responsible for matters specified in FAR 42.302 and DFARS 42.302, except those designated to the COR.
• Paying Office: Responsible for processing payments upon invoice acceptance.
• Contracting Officer's Representative (COR): Serves as the primary interface with the contractor for performance and duties. Key responsibilities include:
  • Technical Interface: Providing technical instructions and acting as a point of contact for technical questions, but cannot issue contractual changes.
  • Contract Surveillance: Monitoring contractor performance and progress, identifying inefficiencies, and reporting potential performance problems to the PCO.
  • Invoice Review and Approval: Quality assurance of services, acceptance of deliverables, and review of contractor invoices.
  • Contract Modifications: Developing statements of work for change orders and preparing independent government cost estimates.
  • Administrative Duties: Managing contract files, correspondence, and providing assistance for contract close-out.
• Technical Assistant (TA): Provides routine administration and monitoring assistance to the COR, identifying deficiencies, reviewing deliverables, and assisting with reports, but cannot provide technical direction.

This document clarifies the roles and responsibilities of government personnel involved in contract administration. Bidders should understand who to contact for different types of inquiries (e.g., technical questions, contractual changes) and the processes for performance monitoring, invoice submission, and acceptance. It emphasizes that only the PCO or CAO has the authority to modify contract terms.

Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (J&A)

This document justifies a sole-source contract action for maintenance support of the Clarinet Merlin Receive System (CMRS) to Long Wave, Inc. The action is being awarded under FAR 13.5 – Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

• The current services are provided under contract N00189-21-P-0001, awarded to Long Wave, Inc. on October 20, 2020.

• The existing contract has a 12-month base period and four 12-month option periods, with a six-month option (FAR 52.217-8) exercised, extending performance until April 19, 2026.

• This is a follow-on action to the original contract, which was also sole-sourced.

• Maintenance support for the entire CMRS, including subsystems, antenna interface equipment, connectivity interface equipment, interface/display equipment, Broadcast Control Authority (BCA) operator training, testing, and updates for IAVMs alerts, and ACAS scanning.

• Services cover six receiving sites, two BCA server sites, one NIWC lab, and associated hardware/software.

• The requirement is for a 12-month base year performance period with provisions for four 12-month option periods, plus the FAR 52.217-8 six-month extension.

• Estimated contract commencement: April 19, 2026.

• 41 U.S.C. 1901, Simplified acquisition procedures - a sole source acquisition using simplified acquisition procedures for the acquisition of commercial items, as implemented by FAR 13.501(a).

• Long Wave, Inc. is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for CMRS, having designed, developed, and engineered the system.

• Long Wave, Inc. owns the data rights to the CMRS software.

• No other authorized resellers or certified personnel possess the requisite knowledge for operation, service, and interoperability.

• Long Wave, Inc. is the only source capable of providing the necessary maintenance for safe, dependable, and effective operation.

• The CMRS is a critical Nuclear Command, Control, Communication system requiring continuous operation.

• Replacing the system would require significant time and cost, with an estimated overlapping service period of at least one year.

• A Sources Sought Notice was posted on SAM.gov on September 30, 2025, with a response date of October 14, 2025.

• BHPE LLC expressed interest but could not provide OEM certification for resale and maintenance.

• Efforts are underway to transition the system to a NAVWAR program of record, with hopes of transition by FY28.

• Future requirements will be handled on a case-by-case basis and will include market research and sources sought notices to foster competition.

• NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk Contracting Office, Code 214.2.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for providing non-personal services for the maintenance and support of the Clarinet Merlin Receiving System (CMRS) for Commander, Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR).

• Provide personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and non-personal services for CMRS maintenance and support.

• Maintain the CMRS in a high state of readiness.

• Provide training for Broadcast Control Authority (BCA) Operators.

• Ensure Information Assurance (IA) compliance, including monitoring and reporting IAVM compliance and performing Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS) scanning.

• Support the CMRS Reporting System at Naval Information Warfare Center (St. Julien's Creek), Maintenance Engineering Facility (MEF), and Longwave Lab.

• Maintain the receiving subsystems, interface/display equipment, BCA operator training, and testing/updates of IA Vulnerability Managements (IAVMs) and ACAS scanning.

• Maintain an Operational Availability (Ao) of 95% or greater for each CMRS site.

• Notify the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) within 24 hours of a failure detection and provide a failure report within 30 days.

• Conduct quarterly BCA operator training.

• Test and install Information Assurance Vulnerability Alerts (IAVA) corrections.

• Report IAVA compliance in Navy's authoritative tracking tools.

• Provide subject matter expertise (SME) assistance for CMRS Authority to Operate (ATO) maintenance.

• Scan the base lab system with ACAS software and provide a report and Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M).

• Period of Performance: One (1) Base Period of 12 months and four (4) 12-month option years, plus one (1) six-month option.

• Place of Performance: Primarily at the Maintenance Engineering Facility (MEF), Long Wave Inc. lab, St. Julien's Creek, and CMRS sites. Travel is required to Hawaii, Alaska, Virginia, Portugal, United Kingdom, and Guam, as well as other Government sites and contractor facilities.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP).

• Security: Contractor personnel must possess a Top-Secret clearance at the time of proposal submission and maintain it throughout the contract. Physical security measures are required for safeguarding Government equipment and information.

• Cyber Security Workforce Qualifications: Personnel must be trained and qualified according to DOD Manual 8140.03 and maintain appropriate security clearances. Continuous learning (CL) is required.

• Key Personnel: A CMRS Program Manager is required, with specific experience outlined.

• Travel: Contractor is responsible for all costs associated with required travel.

• Deliverables: Include a CMRS Management Plan, Monthly Status Reports, Trip Reports, Trouble Reports, ACAS Scans, and ACAS POA&M.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) and Matrix. It outlines the government's methods for ensuring that contractors meet performance-based service contract standards. The QASP is designed to verify that contractors perform according to contract metrics, that the government receives the quality of services specified, and that payment is made only for acceptable services.

• Purpose: To ensure systematic quality assurance methods are used in administering Performance Based Service Contracts (PBSC).
• Authority: Based on FAR 52-212-4(a), Inspection/Acceptance.
• Scope: The contractor is responsible for quality control; the QASP provides government surveillance oversight.
• Responsibilities: Outlines roles for the Contracting Officer (CO), Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), and Technical Point of Contact (TPOC).
• Methods of QA Surveillance: Includes COR Assessment, Customer Feedback, and Random Checks/Inspections.
• Identified QA Surveillance Items: These are detailed in the Performance Work Statement (PWS).
• Documentation: Specifies the contents of the Quality Assurance Surveillance file maintained by the COR.
• Analysis of Contractor Performance: Describes how the COR will analyze performance monthly to adjust surveillance or initiate corrective action.
• QASP Matrix: Details specific deliverables/service requirements, measurement metrics, performance standards (e.g., 95% or 100% AQL), methods of surveillance (e.g., monthly reports, meetings, customer feedback), and associated incentives/disincentives (FAR clauses, performance reviews, Contract Discrepancy Reports).

This QASP provides critical insight into how the government will monitor and evaluate contractor performance. Bidders should review the QASP Matrix to understand the specific performance standards, metrics, and acceptable quality levels (AQLs) that will be used to assess their work. Understanding these surveillance methods and performance expectations is crucial for developing a compliant and successful proposal and for managing contract execution effectively. It also highlights the potential incentives and disincentives tied to performance.

Other / Unclassified

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