Winter Nursery in Puerto Rico
Added: Oct 09, 2015 11:54 am 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 included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Solicitation S152-00001 is being issued as a Request for Quotes (RFQ) for a base year plus two option years. This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect tough Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-84 (October 5, 2015). The 2012 NAICS code applicable to this acquisition is 111150. For a company to qualify as a small business, the size standard is .75M.The USDA, ARS, Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research Genetics Research Unit has determined a requirement for an organic corn winter nursery managed according to USDA Organic Standards for producing corn that will be located Puerto Rico to allow for growing between November and March. Contract shall include one base year beginning November 2015 with two option years. Subject to local weather and soil moisture conditions, the nursery shall be grown within a 6-month period beginning in November 2015 to be harvested in approximately March 2016. The nursery shall include approximately 2000 experimental varieties planted in 12 foot one-row plots with a 3 foot border between plots for a total expected area of approximately 1.6 acres of nursery. Plant spacing is expected to be 9 inches in the row and 30 includes between rows. Contractor will prepare fields including mowing and incorporation of a mucuna or other cover crop by plowing, followed by disking and application of 2000 pounds/acre of granular organic fertilizer. A second disking shall be performed prior to planting when the soil is sufficiently dry to produce an acceptable seed bed. Weeds will be controlled as needed by mechanical cultivation and hand hoeing. Drip irrigation shall be applied as needed toughout the growing season. Bacillus thuringiensis (Dipel or Agree) will be applied as needed for control of lepidopteran pests and Trilogy and Garlic barrier will be applied as required for control of fungal diseases. Label directions shall be followed for application concentrations and methods. The nursery shall be monitored for insect pressure as well. Shoot bagging and pollinations will be done according to breeders' instructions. Hand harvesting will be done by plot when grains have dried sufficiently, and the ears will be allowed to dry to approximately 12-15% moisture in mesh bags with circulating air at ambient temperature or low heat to produce seed with high germination rate. Ears will be shelled by hand or with a corn sheller according to breeder's instructions and dried further if necessary to reduce moisture levels. Dried seeds will be cleaned, packed, inspected and shipped by FedEx to each breeder. Seed will be treated for the presence of insect pests to meet APHIS standards for import and or shipping within the U.S. and USDA Organic certification standards. It is expected that local temporary help will be supplied to assist breeders during the 4 week pollination period. Up to 150 person hours per week are anticipated required to provide this service. Local temporary help will also be provided during harvest and seed processing, in order to expedite the labor intensive process and return seed to breeders in a timely manner. Up to 150 person hours per week are also needed to provide this service. Contractor shall include all anticipated temporary costs in quotations. A stock of planting, pollinating and harvest supplies will be maintained near the winter nursery site. An inventory of these supplies will be maintained to ensure supplies are available when needed. The projected date for returning seed to breeders is June 15 each year but may be affected by unforeseen events. 52.212-2 Evaluation -- Commercial Items (Oct 2014)(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:(i) technical capability of the item offered to meet the Government requirement;(ii) price;(iii) past performance Technical and past performance, when combined, are more important than price.(b) Options. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).(c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer's specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS-COMMERCIAL ITEMS (MAY 2015)(a) Inspection/Acceptance. The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If repair/replacement or reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the Government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming supplies or services. The Government must exercise its post-acceptance rights-(1) Within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered; and(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.(b) Assignment. The Contractor or its assignee may assign its rights to receive payment due as a result of performance of this contract to a bank, trust company, or other financing institution, including any Federal lending agency in accordance with the Assignment of Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3727). However, when a third party makes payment (e.g., use of the Government wide commercial purchase card), the Contractor may not assign its rights to receive payment under this contract.(c) Changes. Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties.(d) Disputes. This contract is subject to 41 U.S.C. chapter 71, Contract Disputes. Failure of the parties to this contract to reach agreement on any request for equitable adjustment, claim, appeal or action arising under or relating to this contract shall be a dispute to be resolved in accordance with the clause at FAR 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.(e) Definitions. The clause at FAR 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated herein by reference.(f) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence such as, acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, unusually severe weather, and delays of common carriers. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as it is reasonably possible after the commencement of any excusable delay, setting forth the full particulars in connection therewith, shall remedy such occurrence with all reasonable dispatch, and shall promptly give written notice to the Contracting Officer of the cessation of such occurrence.(g) Invoice.(1) The Contractor shall submit an original invoice and tee copies (or electronic invoice, if authorized) to the address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include-(i) Name and address of the Contractor;(ii) Invoice date and number;(iii) Contract number, contract line item number and, if applicable, the order number;(iv) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price and extended price of the items delivered;(v) Shipping number and date of shipment, including the bill of lading number and weight of shipment if shipped on Government bill of lading;(vi) Terms of any discount for prompt payment offered;(vii) Name and address of official to whom payment is to be sent;(viii) Name, title, and phone number of person to notify in event of defective invoice; and(ix) Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The Contractor shall include its TIN on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.(x) Electronic funds transfer (EFT) banking information.(A) The Contractor shall include EFT banking information on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.(B) If EFT banking information is not required to be on the invoice, in order for the invoice to be a proper invoice, the Contractor shall have submitted correct EFT banking information in accordance with the applicable solicitation provision, contract clause (e.g., 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management, or 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Other Than System for Award Management), or applicable agency procedures.(C) EFT banking information is not required if the Government waived the requirement to pay by EFT.(2) Invoices will be handled in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.(h) Patent indemnity. The Contractor shall indemnify the Government and its officers, employees and agents against liability, including costs, for actual or alleged direct or contributory infringement of, or inducement to infringe, any United States or foreign patent, trademark or copyright, arising out of the performance of this contract, provided the Contractor is reasonably notified of such claims and proceedings.(i) Payment.-(1) Items accepted. Payment shall be made for items accepted by the Government that have been delivered to the delivery destinations set forth in this contract.(2) Prompt payment. The Government will make payment in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.(3) Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If the Government makes payment by EFT, see 52.212-5(b) for the appropriate EFT clause.(4) Discount. In connection with any discount offered for early payment, time shall be computed from the date of the invoice. For the purpose of computing the discount earned, payment shall be considered to have been made on the date which appears on the payment check or the specified payment date if an electronic funds transfer payment is made.(5) Overpayments. If the Contractor becomes aware of a duplicate contract financing or invoice payment or that the Government has otherwise overpaid on a contract financing or invoice payment, the Contractor shall-(i) Remit the overpayment amount to the payment office cited in the contract along with a description of the overpayment including the-(A) Circumstances of the overpayment (e.g., duplicate payment, erroneous payment, liquidation errors, date(s) of overpayment);(B) Affected contract number and delivery order number, if applicable;(C) Affected contract line item or subline item, if applicable; and(D) Contractor point of contact.(ii) Provide a copy of the remittance and supporting documentation to the Contracting Officer.(6) Interest.(i) All amounts that become payable by the Contractor to the Government under this contract shall bear simple interest from the date due until paid unless paid within 30 days of becoming due. The interest rate shall be the interest rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury as provided in 41 U.S.C. 7109, which is applicable to the period in which the amount becomes due, as provided in (i)(6)(v) of this clause, and then at the rate applicable for each six-month period as fixed by the Secretary until the amount is paid.(ii) The Government may issue a demand for payment to the Contractor upon finding a debt is due under the contract.(iii) Final decisions. The Contracting Officer will issue a final decision as required by 33.211 if-(A) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor are unable to reach agreement on the existence or amount of a debt within 30 days;(B) The Contractor fails to liquidate a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer within the timeline specified in the demand for payment unless the amounts were not repaid because the Contractor has requested an installment payment agreement; or(C) The Contractor requests a deferment of collection on a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer (see 32.607-2).(iv) If a demand for payment was previously issued for the debt, the demand for payment included in the final decision shall identify the same due date as the original demand for payment.(v) Amounts shall be due at the earliest of the following dates:(A) The date fixed under this contract.(B) The date of the first written demand for payment, including any demand for payment resulting from a default termination.(vi) The interest charge shall be computed for the actual number of calendar days involved beginning on the due date and ending on-(A) The date on which the designated office receives payment from the Contractor;(B) The date of issuance of a Government check to the Contractor from which an amount otherwise payable has been withheld as a credit against the contract debt; or(C) The date on which an amount withheld and applied to the contract debt would otherwise have become payable to the Contractor.(vii) The interest charge made under this clause may be reduced under the procedures prescribed in 32.608-2 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation in effect on the date of this contract.(j) Risk of loss. Unless the contract specifically provides otherwise, risk of loss or damage to the supplies provided under this contract shall remain with the Contractor until, and shall pass to the Government upon:(1) Delivery of the supplies to a carrier, if transportation is f.o.b. origin; or(2) Delivery of the supplies to the Government at the destination specified in the contract, if transportation is f.o.b. destination.(k) Taxes. The contract price includes all applicable Federal, State, and local taxes and duties.(l) Termination for the Government's convenience. The Government reserves the right to terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for its sole convenience. In the event of such termination, the Contractor shall immediately stop all work hereunder and shall immediately cause any and all of its suppliers and subcontractors to cease work. Subject to the terms of this contract, the Contractor shall be paid a percentage of the contract price reflecting the percentage of the work performed prior to the notice of termination, plus reasonable charges the Contractor can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Government using its standard record keeping system, have resulted from the termination. The Contractor shall not be required to comply with the cost accounting standards or contract cost principles for this purpose. This paragraph does not give the Government any right to audit the Contractor's records. The Contractor shall not be paid for any work performed or costs incurred which reasonably could have been avoided.(m) Termination for cause. The Government may terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for cause in the event of any default by the Contractor, or if the Contractor fails to comply with any contract terms and conditions, or fails to provide the Government, upon request, with adequate assurances of future performance. In the event of termination for cause, the Government shall not be liable to the Contractor for any amount for supplies or services not accepted, and the Contractor shall be liable to the Government for any and all rights and remedies provided by law. If it is determined that the Government improperly terminated this contract for default, such termination shall be deemed a termination for convenience.(n) Title. Unless specified elsewhere in this contract, title to items furnished under this contract shall pass to the Government upon acceptance, regardless of when or where the Government takes physical possession.(o) Warranty. The Contractor warrants and implies that the items delivered hereunder are merchantable and fit for use for the particular purpose described in this contract.(p) Limitation of liability. Except as otherwise provided by an express warranty, the Contractor will not be liable to the Government for consequential damages resulting from any defect or deficiencies in accepted items.(q) Other compliances. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, executive orders, rules and regulations applicable to its performance under this contract.(r) Compliance with laws unique to Government contracts. The Contractor agrees to comply with 31 U.S.C. 1352 relating to limitations on the use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracts; 18 U.S.C. 431 relating to officials not to benefit; 40 U.S.C. chapter 37, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards; 41 U.S.C. chapter 87, Kickbacks; 41 U.S.C. 4712 and 10 U.S.C. 2409 relating to whistleblower protections; 49 U.S.C. 40118, Fly American; and 41 U.S.C. chapter 21 relating to procurement integrity.(s) Order of precedence. Any inconsistencies in this solicitation or contract shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order:(1) The schedule of supplies/services.(2) The Assignments, Disputes, Payments, Invoice, Other Compliances, Compliance with Laws Unique to Government Contracts, and Unauthorized Obligations paragraphs of this clause;(3) The clause at 52.212-5.(4) Addenda to this solicitation or contract, including any license agreements for computer software.(5) Solicitation provisions if this is a solicitation.(6) Other paragraphs of this clause.(7) The Standard Form 1449.(8) Other documents, exhibits, and attachments(9) The specification.(t) System for Award Management (SAM).(1) Unless exempted by an addendum to this contract, the Contractor is responsible during performance and tough final payment of any contract for the accuracy and completeness of the data within the SAM database, and for any liability resulting from the Government's reliance on inaccurate or incomplete data. To remain registered in the SAM database after the initial registration, the Contractor is required to review and update on an annual basis from the date of initial registration or subsequent updates its information in the SAM database to ensure it is current, accurate and complete. Updating information in the SAM does not alter the terms and conditions of this contract and is not a substitute for a properly executed contractual document.(2)(i) If a Contractor has legally changed its business name, "doing business as" name, or division name (whichever is shown on the contract), or has transferred the assets used in performing the contract, but has not completed the necessary requirements regarding novation and change-of-name agreements in FAR subpart 42.12, the Contractor shall provide the responsible Contracting Officer a minimum of one business day's written notification of its intention to (A) change the name in the SAM database; (B) comply with the requirements of subpart 42.12; and (C) agree in writing to the timeline and procedures specified by the responsible Contracting Officer. The Contractor must provide with the notification sufficient documentation to support the legally changed name.(ii) If the Contractor fails to comply with the requirements of paragraph (t)(2)(i) of this clause, or fails to perform the agreement at paragraph (t)(2)(i)(C) of this clause, and, in the absence of a properly executed novation or change-of-name agreement, the SAM information that shows the Contractor to be other than the Contractor indicated in the contract will be considered to be incorrect information within the meaning of the "Suspension of Payment" paragraph of the electronic funds transfer (EFT) clause of this contract.(3) The Contractor shall not change the name or address for EFT payments or manual payments, as appropriate, in the SAM record to reflect an assignee for the purpose of assignment of claims (see Subpart 32.8, Assignment of Claims). Assignees shall be separately registered in the SAM database. Information provided to the Contractor's SAM record that indicates payments, including those made by EFT, to an ultimate recipient other than that Contractor will be considered to be incorrect information within the meaning of the "Suspension of payment" paragraph of the EFT clause of this contract.(4) Offerors and Contractors may obtain information on registration and annual confirmation requirements via SAM accessed tough https://www.acquisition.gov.(u) Unauthorized Obligations.(1) Except as stated in paragraph (u)(2) of this clause, when any supply or service acquired under this contract is subject to any End User License Agreement (EULA), Terms of Service (TOS), or similar legal instrument or agreement, that includes any clause requiring the Government to indemnify the Contractor or any person or entity for damages, costs, fees, or any other loss or liability that would create an Anti-Deficiency Act violation (31 U.S.C. 1341), the following shall govern:(i) Any such clause is unenforceable against the Government.(ii) Neither the Government nor any Government authorized end user shall be deemed to have agreed to such clause by virtue of it appearing in the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement. If the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement is invoked tough an "I agree" click box or other comparable mechanism (e.g., "click-wrap" or "browse-wrap" agreements), execution does not bind the Government or any Government authorized end user to such clause.(iii) Any such clause is deemed to be stricken from the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement.(2) Paragraph (u)(1) of this clause does not apply to indemnification by the Government that is expressly authorized by statute and specifically authorized under applicable agency regulations and procedures.(v) Incorporation by reference. The Contractor's representations and certifications, including those completed electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM), are incorporated by reference into the contract.(End of Clause)52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS-COMMERCIAL ITEMS (MAY 2015)(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:(1) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Dec 2014)(2) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (Aug 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).(3) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004) (Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:[X] (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Sept 2006), with Alternate I (Oct 1995) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).[X] (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (APR 2010)(41 U.S.C. 3509).[] (3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (JUN 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.)[X] (4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Jul 2013) (Pub. L. 109-282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).[] (5) [Reserved][] (6) 52.204-14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (JAN 2014) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).[] (7) 52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (JAN 2014) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).[X] (8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (Aug 2013) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).[X] (9) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Jul 2013) (41 U.S.C. 2313).[] (10) [Reserved][] (11)(i) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (NOV 2011) (15 U.S.C. 657a).[] (ii) Alternate I (NOV 2011) of 52.219-3.[] (12)(i) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (OCT 2014) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a).[] (ii) Alternate I (JAN 2011) of 52.219-4.[] (13) [Reserved][] (14)(i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2011) (15 U.S.C. 644).[] (ii) Alternate I (NOV 2011).[] (iii) Alternate II (NOV 2011).[] (15)(i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (June 2003) (15 U.S.C. 644).[] (ii) Alternate I (Oct 1995) of 52.219-7.[] (iii) Alternate II (Mar 2004) of 52.219-7.[X] (16) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (OCT 2014) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3).[] (17)(i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (OCT 2014) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).[] (ii) Alternate I (Oct 2001) of 52.219-9.[] (iii) Alternate II (Oct 2001) of 52.219-9.[] (iv) Alternate III (OCT 2014) of 52.219-9.[] (18) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (NOV 2011) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).[] (19) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (NOV 2011) (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(14)).[] (20) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages-Subcontracting Plan (Jan 1999) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)).[x] (21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2011) (15 U.S.C. 657f).[X] (22) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (Jul 2013) (15 U.S.C 632(a)(2)).[] (23) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) Concerns (Jul 2013) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).[] (24) 52.219-30, Notice of Set-Aside for Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Concerns Eligible Under the WOSB Program (Jul 2013) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).[X] (25) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003) (E.O. 11755).[X] (26) 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (JAN 2014) (E.O. 13126).[X] (27) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015).[X] (28) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (APR 2015) (E.O. 11246).[X] (29) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (JUL 2014) (38 U.S.C. 4212).[X] (30) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUL 2014) (29 U.S.C. 793).[X] (31) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (JUL 2014) (38 U.S.C. 4212).[X] (32) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (DEC 2010) (E.O. 13496).[X] (33)(i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (MAR 2015) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2015) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).[] (34) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (AUG 2013). (Executive Order 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial items as prescribed in 22.1803.)[] (35)(i) 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA-Designated Items (May 2008) (42 U.S.C.6962(c)(3)(A)(ii)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)[] (ii) Alternate I (MAY 2008) of 52.223-9 (42 U.S.C. 6962(i)(2)(C)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)[] (36)(i) 52.223-13, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Imaging Equipment (JUN 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).[] (ii) Alternate I (JUN 2014) of 52.223-13.[] (37)(i) 52.223-14, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Televisions (JUN 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).[] (ii) Alternate I (JUN 2014) of 52.223-14.[] (38) 52.223-15, Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products (DEC 2007)(42 U.S.C. 8259b).[] (39)(i) 52.223-16, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Personal Computer Products (JUN 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).[] (ii) Alternate I (JUN 2014) of 52.223-16.[X] (40) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (AUG 2011)[X] (41) 52.225-1, Buy American-Supplies (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83).[] (42)(i) 52.225-3, Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83, 19 U.S.C. 3301 note, 19 U.S.C. 2112 note, 19 U.S.C. 3805 note, 19 U.S.C. 4001 note, Pub. L. 103-182, 108-77, 108-78, 108-286, 108-302, 109-53, 109-169, 109-283, 110-138, 112-41, 112-42, and 112-43.[] (ii) Alternate I (MAY 2014) of 52.225-3.[] (iii) Alternate II (MAY 2014) of 52.225-3.[] (iv) Alternate III (MAY 2014) of 52.225-3.[] (43) 52.225-5, Trade Agreements (NOV 2013) (19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note).[X] (44) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (JUN 2008) (E.O.'s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).[] (45) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Jul 2013) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note).[] (46) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).[] (47) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).[] (48) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Items (Feb 2002) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).[] (49) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Items (Oct 1995) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).[] (50) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management (Jul 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332).[X] (51) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Other than System for Award Management (Jul 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332).[] (52) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (MAY 2014) (31 U.S.C. 3332).[] (53) 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (Aug 1996) (5 U.S.C. 552a).[] (54)(i) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Feb 2006) (46 U.S.C. Appx. 1241(b) and 10 U.S.C. 2631).[] (ii) Alternate I (Apr 2003) of 52.247-64.(c) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (c), applicable to commercial services, that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:[] (1) 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (MAY 2014) (E.O. 13495).[X] (2) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).[X] (3) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (MAY 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).[X] (4) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (MAY 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).[] (5) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (MAY 2014) (29 U.S.C 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).[] (6) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).[] (7) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).[] (8) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (DEC 2014) (Executive Order 13658).[] (9) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (MAY 2014) (42 U.S.C. 1792).[] (10) 52.237-11, Accepting and Dispensing of $1 Coin (SEP 2008) (31 U.S.C. 5112(p)(1)).(d) Comptroller General Examination of Record. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of this paragraph (d) if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid, is in excess of the simplified acquisition teshold, and does not contain the clause at 52.215-2, Audit and Records-Negotiation.(1) The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative of the Comptroller General, shall have access to and right to examine any of the Contractor's directly pertinent records involving transactions related to this contract.(2) The Contractor shall make available at its offices at all reasonable times the records, materials, and other evidence for examination, audit, or reproduction, until 3 years after final payment under this contract or for any shorter period specified in FAR Subpart 4.7, Contractor Records Retention, of the other clauses of this contract. If this contract is completely or partially terminated, the records relating to the work terminated shall be made available for 3 years after any resulting final termination settlement. Records relating to appeals under the disputes clause or to litigation or the settlement of claims arising under or relating to this contract shall be made available until such appeals, litigation, or claims are finally resolved.(3) As used in this clause, records include books, documents, accounting procedures and practices, and other data, regardless of type and regardless of form. This does not require the Contractor to create or maintain any record that the Contractor does not maintain in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to a provision of law.(e)(1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this clause, the Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause, other than those in this paragraph (e)(1) in a subcontract for commercial items. Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause-(i) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (APR 2010) (41 U.S.C. 3509).(ii) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (OCT 2014) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)), in all subcontracts that offer further subcontracting opportunities. If the subcontract (except subcontracts to small business concerns) exceeds $650,000 ($1.5 million for construction of any public facility), the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities.(iii) 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (MAY 2014) (E.O. 13495). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (l) of FAR clause 52.222-17.(iv) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015).(v) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (APR 2015) (E.O. 11246).(vi) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (JUL 2014) (38 U.S.C. 4212).(vii) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUL 2014) (29 U.S.C. 793).(viii) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (JUL 2014) (38 U.S.C. 4212).(ix) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (DEC 2010) (E.O. 13496). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (f) of FAR clause 52.222-40.(x) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).(xi)(A) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (MAR 2015) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).(B) Alternate I (MAR 2015) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).(xii) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).(xiii) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).(xiv) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (AUG 2013).(xv) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (DEC 2014) (E.O. 13658).(xvi) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Jul 2013) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note).(xvii) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (MAY 2014) (42 U.S.C. 1792). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6.(xviii) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Feb 2006) (46 U.S.C. Appx. 1241(b) and 10 U.S.C. 2631). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (d) of FAR clause 52.247-64.(2) While not required, the contractor may include in its subcontracts for commercial items a minimal number of additional clauses necessary to satisfy its contractual obligations.(End of Clause)2.203-99 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements (FEB 2015) (a) The Contractor shall not require employees or subcontractors seeking to reportfraud, waste, or abuse to sign or comply with internal confidentiality agreements or statements prohibiting or otherwise restricting such employees or subcontractors from lawfully reporting such waste, fraud, or abuse to a designated investigative or law enforcement representative of a Federal department or agency authorized to receive such information.(b) The contractor shall notify employees that the prohibitions and restrictions of any internal confidentiality agreements covered by this clause are no longer in effect.(c) The prohibition in paragraph (a) of this clause does not contravene requirements applicable to Standard Form 312, Form 4414, or any other form issued by a Federal department or agency governing the nondisclosure of classified information.(d)(1) In accordance with section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Resolution Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235), use of funds appropriated (or otherwise made available) under that or any other Act may be prohibited, if the Government determines that the Contractor is not in compliance with the provisions of this clause. (2) The Government may seek any available remedies in the event the Contractor fails to comply with the provisions of this clause.(End of clause) 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.htmlhttp://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/(End of Clause)FAR Number Title Date52.203-17 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS AND REQUIREMENT TO INFORM EMPLOYEES OF WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS APR 201452.204-4 PRINTED OR COPIED DOUBLE-SIDED ON RECYCLED PAPER MAY 201152.204-13 System for Award Management JUN 201352.232.18 Availability of Funds APR 198452.229-3 Federal, State, and Local Taxes FEB 201352.203-98, PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES THAT REQUIRE CERTAIN INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS-REPRESENTATION (DEVIATION 2015-02)(a) In accordance with section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Resolution Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235), Government agencies are not permitted to use funds appropriated (or otherwise made available) under that or any other Act for contracts with an entity that requires employees or subcontractors of such entity seeking to report fraud, waste, or abuse to sign internal confidentiality agreements or statements prohibiting or otherwise restricting such employees or subcontractors from lawfully reporting such waste, fraud, or abuse to a
S152-00001 Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
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