3.2.  Definitions

3.2.1.  SABER contract generally means a fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (ID/IQ) contract. A SABER contract includes detailed task specifications that encompass most types of real property maintenance, repair, and construction work. The features of a SABER contract are:

3.2.1.1.  Unit Price Guides (UPG). UPGs are commercial pricing tools such as computer cost databases and libraries of hard copy books. Although rare, they might also include government-developed unit price books. UPGs list tasks by unit of measure and unit price. Because the prices are general, the team must tailor the UPG to a specific location. This step, called "localization," is critical to the success of a SABER Program. Government and commercial software is available for localization and for compiling task listings and unit prices. Examples of commercially available UPGs are those published by WinEstimator Inc®, Timberline Software®, and R.S. MEANS, Inc®. Validate the accuracy of the software tools before issuance of the Request for Proposal (RFP).

3.2.1.2.  Coefficients. Coefficients are factors multiplied against the standard unit prices in the UPG to calculate TO prices. Offerors propose coefficients for costs such as overhead, profit, minimum design costs, G&A expenses, bond premiums, and gross receipt taxes.

3.2.1.2.1. The team can decide how many coefficients to use. Coefficients may include bands or ranges based on dollar levels, standard and non-standard hours, range or isolated site work, or work in secured areas. Air Force experience with SABER has shown that a good approach is to use tiered coefficients with break points at cumulative dollars awarded thresholds over the life of the contract, including options. This approach recognizes that a contractor's overhead decreases as workload increases. For example, the RFP and resultant contract might establish coefficients for <$3M, $3-6M, and so on.

3.2.1.2.2.  An offeror's proposed coefficients provide insight into the offeror's experience and knowledge of the local construction market. Typically, we expect proposed coefficients of less than 1 in a strong competitive market. Experienced contractors will know this. Therefore, in this situation, a proposed coefficient of 1 or more might point to a flawed proposal or weak experience. To aid in the analysis of proposed coefficients, the team should consider requesting a rationale for each coefficient. Do not consider this information cost or pricing data in the context of FAR 15.

3.2.2.  Minimum Design.

3.2.2.1.  Typically, minimum design for SABER is up to 35%. However, if the design requires the services of a registered architect or engineer, it is outside the parameters of minimum design. The contractor is responsible for submitting documentation that substantiates the proposed approach.

3.2.2.2.  Typically, supporting documents are requested from the contractor. Documents may include a Statement of Work (SOW), Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) chart, cost estimates, justification for non-pre-priced items (NPI), verified as-built drawings, manufacturer's or technical drawings/schematics for fabrication and assembly of structural elements, form, fit and attachment details for installation of materials/equipment, and design calculations to substantiate proposed layout and sizing of utilities and structural elements (i.e. HVAC loads, lighting, platform supports, etc).

3.2.3.  SABER Task Order (TO) Pricing. The Task Order price is the product of required tasks, quantity, unit of issue, UPG price per unit, and the coefficient plus the negotiated price for any non-priced items (NPI). NPIs must be within the basic intent and general scope of the contract and be negotiated separately from UPG items before issuance of the TO.