SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE 1 OF

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE

DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE

DATE

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (No collect calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/

LOCAL TIME

9. ISSUED BY

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

CODE

15. DELIVER TO 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE17a. CONTRACTOR/

OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY

CODE

CODE

TELEPHONE NO.

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN

OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK

BELOW IS CHECKED

RFQ IFB RFP

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. OFFER

DATED . . YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 30c. DATE SIGNED

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

SET ASIDE: % FOR:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

8 (A)

EDWOSB

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SMALL BUSINESS

2026-91004A 66

1131PL26R0057

Tyrone Johnson

1131PL

SAME AS BOX 9.

SAME AS BOX 9.

The contractor must prepare and submit invoices electronically to: https://www.ipp.gov

Global Critical Minerals Project Scoping Services

Period of Performance: See PWS

Tyrone W. Johnson

541690

$19MIL

See Block 31c. 08/11/2026

09/08/2026

1:00PM ET

1131PL

U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Office of Acquisition Management (AQM) 1101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1100 Arlington, Virginia 22209 USA

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE

41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER 41c. DATE

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD) 42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS

40. PAID BY

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 32f. TELPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

33. SHIP NUMBER 34. VOUCHER NUMBER 35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

PARTIAL FINAL

37. CHECK NUMBER

38. S/R ACCOUNT NO. 39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER

36. PAYMENT

COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

0001 Concept Note Consultations (Up-to-30) 30 EA

0002 Initial Assessment Reports (Up-to-15) 15 EA

0003 Project Reports (Up-to-25) 25 EA

Critical Minerals Sector Deep Dives (Up-to-6) 6 EA0004

0005 Government Acceptance of Full Final Report 1 EA

0006 Cost Reimbursement - Travel in Accordance with 1 LOT Federal Travel Regulations (Not-To-Exceed)

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

a. CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

FAR 52.202-1 Definitions JUNE 2020 FAR 52.204-2 Security Requirements MAR 2021 FAR 52.204-25 Prohibition on Contracting for Certain NOV 2021

Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

FAR 52.204-26 Covered Telecommunications Equipment or OCT 2020 Services-Representation.

FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions--Commercial Items NOV 2023 FAR 52.222-90 Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors APR 2026 FAR 52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations NOV 2021 FAR 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim OCT 2004

b. CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY FULL TEXT

FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (MAR 2026)

(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 products and commercial services:

(1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(2) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab Covered Entities (Dec 2023) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(3) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (Nov 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(4) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Nov 2015).

(5) 52.232-40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) (31 U.S.C. 3903 and 10 U.S.C. 3801).

(6) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (Aug 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(7) 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)).

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_203_19 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_23 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_25 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_209_10 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_232_40 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section3903&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title10-section3801&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_233_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_233_4

(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 products and commercial services:

_X_ (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Jun 2020), with Alternate I (Nov 2021) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 4655).

__ (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Nov 2021) (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) 52.203-17, Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023) (41 U.S.C. 4712);

this clause does not apply to contracts of DoD, NASA, the Coast Guard, or applicable elements of the intelligence community—see FAR 3.900(a).

_X_ (5) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Jun 2020) (Pub. L. 109-282) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

__ (6) [Reserved].

__ (7) 52.204-14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (Oct 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

__ (8) 52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (Oct 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

_X_ (9) 52.204-27, Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application (Jun 2023) (Section 102 of Division R of Pub. L. 117-328).

__ (10) 52.204-28, Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders—Federal Supply Schedules, Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts, and Multi-Agency Contracts. (Dec 2023) (Pub. L. 115–390, title II).

__ (11) (i) 52.204-30, Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders—Prohibition. (Dec 2023) (Pub. L. 115–390, title II).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Dec 2023) of 52.204-30.

_X_ (12) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting With Contractors Debarred, Suspended, Proposed for Debarment, or Voluntarily Excluded. (Jan 2025) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_203_6 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title10-section4655&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_203_13 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_203_15 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_203_17 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-section4712&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-3#FAR_3_900 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_10 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section6101&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_14 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_15 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_27 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_28 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/plaw/115/public/390 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_30 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/plaw/115/public/390 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_30 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_209_6 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/31/6101

__ (13) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018) (41 U.S.C. 2313).

__ (14) [Reserved].

__ (15) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (16) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (17) [Reserved]

__ (18) (i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-6.

__ (19) (i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-7.

__ (20) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Jan 2025)(15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)).

__ (21) (i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Jan 2025) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9.

__ (iii) Alternate II (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9.

__ (iv) Alternate III (Jun 2020) of 52.219-9.

__ (v) Alternate IV (Jan 2025) of 52.219-9.

__ (22) (i) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (Mar 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-13.

__ (23) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 657s).

__ (24) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan (Sep 2021) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

__ (25) 52.219-27, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Service-Disabled Veteran- Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Concerns Eligible Under the SDVOSB Program (Feb 2024) (15 U.S.C. 657f).

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_209_9 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-section2313&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_3 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title15-section637a&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_4 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_6 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_6 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_7 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_7 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_8 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title15-section637&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_9 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title15-section637&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_9 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_9 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_9 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_9 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_13 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_13 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_14 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_16 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_27

__ (26) (i) 52.219-28, Postaward Small Business Program Rerepresentation (Jan 2025) (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-28.

__ (27) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

__ (28) 52.219-30, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Women-Owned Small Business Concerns Eligible Under the Women-Owned Small Business Program (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

__ (29) 52.219-32, Orders Issued Directly Under Small Business Reserves (Mar 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

__ (30) 52.219-33, Nonmanufacturer Rule (Sep 2021) (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(17)).

_X_ (31) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (Jun 2003) (E.O. 11755).

__ (32) 52.222-19, Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Mar 2026)(E.O.

13126).

_X_ (33) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).

_X_ (34) (i) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sep 2016) (E.O. 11246).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Feb 1999) of 52.222-26.

_X_ (35) (i) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Jun 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-35.

_X_ (36) (i) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jun 2020) (29 U.S.C. 793).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-36.

_X_ (37) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (Jun 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

_X_ (38) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496).

_X_ (39) (i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Oct 2025) (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).

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_28 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_28 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_29 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_30 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_32 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title15-section644&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_33 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title15-section637&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_19 https://www.federalregister.gov/executive-order/13126 https://www.federalregister.gov/executive-order/13126 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_21 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_35 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section4212&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_35 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_36 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title29-section793&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_36 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_37 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section4212&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_40 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_50 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_50

__ (40) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (Jan 2025) (Executive Order 12989).

(Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial products or commercial services as prescribed in FAR 22.1803.)

__ (41) (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.)

__ (42) 52.223-11, Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons (May 2024) (42 U.S.C. 7671, et seq.).

__ (43) 52.223-12, Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners (May 2024) (42 U.S.C. 7671, et seq.).

__ (44) 52.223-20, Aerosols (May 2024) (42 U.S.C. 7671, et seq.).

__ (45) 52.223-21, Foams (May 2024) (42 U.S.C. 7671, et seq.).

__ (46) 52.223-23, Sustainable Products and Services (May 2024) (E.O. 14057, 7 U.S.C.

8102, 42 U.S.C. 6962, 42 U.S.C. 8259b, and 42 U.S.C. 7671l).

__ (47) (i) 52.224-3 Privacy Training (Jan 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552 a).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Jan 2017) of 52.224-3.

__ (48) (i) 52.225-1, Buy American-Supplies (Oct 2022) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Oct 2022) of 52.225-1.

__ (49) (i) 52.225-3, Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act (NOV 2023) (19 U.S.C. 3301 note, 19 U.S.C. 2112 note, 19 U.S.C. 3805 note, 19 U.S.C. 4001 note, 19 U.S.C.

chapter 29 (sections 4501-4732), Public Law 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 [Reserved].

__ (iii) Alternate II (Jan 2025) of 52.225-3.

__ (iv) Alternate III (Feb 2024) of 52.225-3.

__ (v) Alternate IV (Oct 2022) of 52.225-3.

__ (50) 52.225-5, Trade Agreements (NOV 2023) (19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note).

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_54 https://www.federalregister.gov/executive-order/12989 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-22#FAR_22_1803 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_9 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_9 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_11 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title42-section7671&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_12 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title42-section7671&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_20 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title42-section7671&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_21 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title42-section7671&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_23 https://www.federalregister.gov/executive-order/14057 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section8102&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section8102&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title42-section6962&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title42-section8259&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title42-section7671&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_224_3 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title5-section552&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_224_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_225_1 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_225_1 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_225_3 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title19-section3301&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title19-section3301&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title19-section2112&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title19-section3805&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title19-section4001&num=0&edition=prelim http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title19-chapter29&saved=%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy1wcmVsaW0tdGl0bGU0MC1jaGFwdGVyMzctZnJvbnQ%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim&edition=prelim http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title19-chapter29&saved=%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy1wcmVsaW0tdGl0bGU0MC1jaGFwdGVyMzctZnJvbnQ%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_225_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_225_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_225_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_225_5 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title19-section2501&num=0&edition=prelim http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title19-section3301&num=0&edition=prelim

_X_ (51) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (Feb 2021) (E.O.’s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).

__ (52) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. Subtitle A, Part V, Subpart G Note).

__ (53) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

__ (54) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

_X_ (55) 52.226-8, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (May 2024) (E.O. 13513).

__ (56) 52.229-12, Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements (Feb 2021).

__ (57) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 3805).

__ (58) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 3805).

_X_ (59) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management (Oct2018) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

__ (60) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Other than System for Award Management (Jul 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

__ (61) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (May 2014) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

__X (62) 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (Aug 1996) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

__ (63) 52.240-1, Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled by American Security Drone Act-Covered Foreign Entities (Nov 2024) (Sections 1821-1826, Pub.

L. 118-31, 41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.).

__ (64) 52.242-5, Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Jan 2017) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(13)).

__ (65) (i) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Nov 2021) (46 U.S.C. 55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Apr 2003) of 52.247-64.

__ (iii) Alternate II (Nov 2021) of 52.247-64.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_225_13 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_225_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_226_4 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_226_5 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_226_8 https://www.federalregister.gov/executive-order/13513 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_229_12 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_232_29 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title10-section3805&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_232_30 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title10-section3805&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_232_33 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section3332&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_232_34 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_232_36 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_239_1 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title5-section552a&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_240_1 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-section3901&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_242_5 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_247_64 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title46-section55305&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_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 products and commercial services:

__ (1) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter67).

__ (2) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ (3) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (Aug 2018) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ (4) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (May 2014) ( 29U.S.C.206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

_X_ (5) 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).

__ (6) 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).

__ (7) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (Jan 2022).

__ (8) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022) (E.O. 13706).

__ (9) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (Jun 2020) (42 U.S.C. 1792).

__ (10) 52.247-69, Reporting Requirement for U.S.-Flag Air Carriers Regarding Training to Prevent Human Trafficking (Jan 2025) (49 U.S.C. 40118(g)).

(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 threshold, as defined in FAR 2.101, on the date of award of this contract, 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 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_41 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_42 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_43 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_44 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title29-section206&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_51 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_53 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_55 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_62 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_226_6 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_247_69 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/49/40118 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-2#FAR_2_101 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_215_2 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 products or commercial services. 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 (Nov 2021) (41 U.S.C. 3509).

(ii) 52.203-17, Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023) (41 U.S.C. 4712).

(iii) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(iv) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab Covered Entities (Dec 2023) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(v) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (Nov 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(vi) 52.204-27, Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application (Jun 2023) (Section 102 of Division R of Pub. L. 117-328).

(vii) (A) 52.204–30, Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders—Prohibition. (Dec 2023) (Pub. L. 115–390, title II).

(B) Alternate I (Dec 2023) of 52.204–30.

(viii) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Jan 2025) (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 the applicable threshold specified in FAR 19.702(a) on the date of subcontract award, the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-4#FAR_Subpart_4_7 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_203_13 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_203_17 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-section4712&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_203_19 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_23 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_25 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_27 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/plaw/115/public/390 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_8 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title15-section637&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-19#FAR_19_702 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_8

(ix) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).

(x) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sep 2016) (E.O. 11246).

(xi) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Jun 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

(xii) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jun 2020) (29 U.S.C. 793).

(xiii) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (Jun 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

(xiv) 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.

(xv) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xvi) (A) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Oct 2025) (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).

(xvii) 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).

(xviii) 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).

(xix) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (Jan 2025) (E.O. 12989).

(xx) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (Jan 2022).

(xxi) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022) (E.O. 13706).

(xxii) (A) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (Jan 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

(B) Alternate I (Jan 2017) of 52.224-3.

(xxiii) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. Subtitle A, Part V, Subpart G Note).

(xxiv) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (Jun 2020) (42 U.S.C. 1792). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_21 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_35 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_36 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_37 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_40 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_40 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_41 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-chapter67-front&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_50 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_50 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_51 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_53 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_54 https://www.federalregister.gov/executive-order/12989 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_55 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_62 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_224_3 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_224_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_225_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_226_6 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_226_6

(xxv) 52.232-40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) (31 U.S.C. 3903 and 10 U.S.C. 3801). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (c) of 52.232-40.

(xxvi) 52.240-1, Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled by American Security Drone Act-Covered Foreign Entities (Nov 2024) (Sections 1821-1826, Pub.

L. 118-31, 41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.).

(xxvii) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Nov 2021) (46 U.S.C. 55305 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 products and commercial services a minimal number of additional clauses necessary to satisfy its contractual obligations.

(End of clause)

FAR 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (NOV 1999)

The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 5 days.

(End of clause)

FAR 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):

Acquisition.gov

(End of clause)

FAR 52.222-90 Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors

As prescribed in 22.2203, insert the following clause:

Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors (Deviation DATE)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause— https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_232_40 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section3903&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title10-section3801&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_232_40 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_240_1 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-section3901&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_247_64 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title46-section55305&num=0&edition=prelim

Program participation means membership or participation in, or access or admission to: training, mentoring, or leadership development programs; educational opportunities; clubs; associations;

or similar opportunities that are sponsored or established by the contractor or subcontractor.

Racially discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities means disparate treatment based on race or ethnicity in the recruitment, employment (e.g., hiring, promotions), contracting (e.g., vendor agreements), program participation, or allocation or deployment of an entity's resources.

(b) In connection with the performance of work under this contract, the Contractor agrees as follows:

(1) The Contractor will not engage in any racially discriminatory DEI activities;

(2) The Contractor will furnish all information and reports, including providing access to books, records, and accounts, as required by the Contracting Officer, for purposes of ascertaining compliance with this clause;

(3) In the event of the Contractor's or a subcontractor's noncompliance with this clause, this contract may be canceled, terminated, or suspended in whole or in part, and the Contractor or subcontractor may be declared ineligible for further Government contracts;

(4) The Contractor will report any subcontractor's known or reasonably knowable conduct that may violate this clause to the Contracting Officer and take any appropriate remedial actions directed by the Contracting Officer; and

(5) The Contractor will inform the Contracting Officer if a subcontractor sues the Contractor and the suit puts at issue, in any way, the validity of this clause.

(6) The Contractor recognizes that compliance with the requirements of this clause are material to the Government's payment decisions for purposes of 31 U.S.C. 3729(b)(4).

(c) The Contractor must include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (c), in subcontracts at any tier, including those for commercial products and commercial services, except those where the place of delivery or performance is outside the United States.

(End of clause)

Solicitation number: 1131PL26R0057 Title: Global Critical Minerals Project Scoping Services

SECTION D – ANY CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS OR ATTACHMENTS

D.1. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

GLOBAL CRITICAL MINERALS PROJECT SCOPING SERVICES

D.1.1. OVERVIEW

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) support the development of overseas infrastructure projects that advance the shared strategic interests of the United States and its overseas partners. These projects offer opportunities for the export of trusted U.S. solutions, including technology, goods, and services that support U.S. jobs.

USTDA is the U.S. government’s first mover on critical infrastructure projects overseas. The Agency funds the upfront technical and design work that accelerates infrastructure development and helps projects attract financing. This includes project preparation activities such as feasibility studies, technical assistance, pilot projects, and front-end engineering and design studies.

D.1.2.1 SCOPE OF WORK

USTDA requires services under this non-personal services Definitional Mission (“DM”) contract to support its decision-making relative to the funding of activities, such as those identified in the Overview section above, to support U.S. industry participation in advanced exploration, extraction, processing, associated infrastructure, and related mining sector projects in Latin America, Europe and Eurasia, Africa and the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific. The firm selected to perform this contract is referred to throughout as the (“Contractor.”)

The Contractor shall provide thirty (30) Concept Note Consultations, fifteen (15) Initial Assessments, and up to twenty-five (25) Project Reports for USTDA funding consideration and one (1) Final Report in cumulation to USTDA, in addition to up to six (6) Critical Minerals Sector Deep Dives. USTDA reserves the right to make the final determination on which activities and topics merit consideration for the Concept Note Consultations, Initial Assessments, Project Reports, and Critical Minerals Sector Deep Dives.

The purpose of the Concept Note Consultations is to:

1. Provide a rapid, desk-based screening of up to thirty (30) early-stage opportunity, where only preliminary information is available; and

2. Inform USTDA’s decision whether a full evaluation is warranted and how best to scope any subsequent work.

The purpose of the Initial Assessments is to:

1. Provide up to fifteen (15) detailed, desk-based actionable analysis of project opportunities that demonstrate sufficient strategic, technical, or commercial potential;

2. Evaluate the project viability, risks, sponsor commitment, market relevance, alignment with USTDA funding criteria, and potential for U.S. private sector participation; and

3. Inform whether an opportunity should progress to Terms of Reference and budget development and preparation of a Project Report.

The purpose of the Project Reports is to:

1. Assess and provide a recommendation on whether USTDA should provide funding for the proposed feasibility study(ies), technical assistance, pilot project(s), or other activity(ies), hereinafter referred to as “activity(ies)”;

2. Develop terms of reference (TOR) and budgets for up to twenty-five (25) activities for USTDA funding consideration.

a. If Contractor is having difficulty meeting this requirement, the Contractor must discuss the findings of the mission with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) in advance of writing the draft Final Report.

b. The Contractor shall obtain the COR’s written approval before developing any activity.

3. Provide supporting analysis for the recommendation on the activity in a final report (“Final Report”) that analyzes all the relevant issues.

4. In addition, the Contractor shall assess the potential of the relevant market sector in the host country for U.S. suppliers of goods and services in the Final Report.

The purpose of the Critical Minerals Sector Deep Dives is to:

1. Present up to six (6) fit-for-purpose presentations or short reports on specific critical minerals topics tailored to USTDA’s request.

The purpose of the Final Report is to:

1. Consolidate all Work Products, including Concept Note Consultations, Initial Assessments, Critical Minerals Sector Deep Dive Reports or Presentations, and Project Reports, approved by USTDA.

The Initial Assessments, Project Reports, Critical Minerals Sector Deep Dives, and Final Report, unless otherwise directed by USTDA, shall be labeled clearly on every page as “Business Confidential” and shall be treated accordingly per sections D.11, “Confidentiality,” and D.12, “Intellectual Property.”

The Contractor will not be paid for reports that are not approved or completed.

The actual number of deliverables/reports against this contract is dependent on the success of the Definitional Mission and availability of projects. Therefore, not all deliverables may be required or be possible and the figures provided for the Project Reports are not-to-exceed ceiling figures and not actual figures. The Contractor shall only invoice for work/deliverables actually completed. Any unexpended funds will be de-obligated from the contract at close-out.

The work will require effective engagement across diverse cultural and linguistic environments, ensuring clear communication and culturally appropriate collaboration with international counterparts.

D.1.2.2 Key Defined Terms

The Contractor shall consistently define and apply standard USTDA terminology in all Deliverables. Consistent use of defined terms enhances clarity, ensures uniformity, strengthens legal enforceability, and facilitates ongoing communication. The DM Contractor shall define all acronyms and abbreviations upon their first use in any work product. Where a DM Deliverable involves multiple defined terms or abbreviations, the DM Contractor may include a glossary for ease of reference.

The following key terms apply throughout this PWS and all Deliverables:

• “Project” refers to the specific infrastructure, system, or plan to be implemented by the Project Sponsor.

• “Project Sponsor” or “Grantee” refers to the foreign (non-U.S.) public or private entity primarily responsible for implementing the Project. Prospective Project Sponsors may include national and subnational government entities, telecommunications regulators and operators, public utilities and state-owned enterprises, cloud and data infrastructure providers, and other public and private sector organizations pursuing digital infrastructure investments in the Indo-Pacific region. The Project Sponsor typically secures or provides financing and makes procurement and implementation decisions. In most cases, the Project Sponsor possesses the property, concession, or other authority to develop the Project. If approved, USTDA's grant agreement is executed with the Project Sponsor.

• “Activity” refers to the USTDA-funded study or technical assistance designed to support the development and implementation of a Project. Activities may encompass a range of interventions that advance a Project from concept (pre-feasibility) to financing and implementation (financial close and ready-for-service). Activities are typically categorized as Feasibility Studies, Technical Assistance, or Pilot Projects aimed at achieving Project bankability and implementation readiness.

• “U.S. firm” refers to the company selected by a Project Sponsor, either through sole source selection or competitive solicitation, to implement the Terms of Reference for a USTDA grant-funded Activity. This term is distinct from the "Contractor," which refers solely to the firm performing this Definitional Mission contract.

• “Proposal” refers to an Activity concept submitted to USTDA for funding consideration.

• “Terms of Reference” or “TOR” refers to the scope of work document that defines the tasks, deliverables, and technical requirements for a USTDA-funded Activity to be carried out by the Contractor.

D.1.2.3 USTDA Activity Types and Grant Models

USTDA grants support project development and technical assistance activities, including but not limited to: feasibility studies, master plans, technical assistance, pilot projects and proof-of concept deployments, engineering and design studies, and training and capacity building.

USTDA project preparation grants typically follow one of three models:

• Competed Grant: USTDA assists the overseas Project Sponsor to develop the Activity scope of work and budget. A solicitation for the technical assistance contract is issued via USTDA's RFP website. The Project Sponsor selects a U.S. Firm through a competitive process.

• Sole-Source Grant: Used primarily for U.S. industry-led requests and pilot projects demonstrating U.S. technology solutions. A U.S. firm contributes resources to co-fund the Activity, typically as in-kind labor or equipment. The grant is awarded to the Project Sponsor, who engages the identified Contractor on a sole-source basis.

• Transaction Incentives: Funds capacity building in support of shortlisted U.S. bidder(s) in an international competitive tender. The USTDA grant offer is contingent upon selection and award of a contract to a U.S. bidder.

D.1.3. USTDA FUNDING CRITERIA

The Contractor’s recommendations shall be based upon USTDA funding criteria, which are that the Project(s) must:

a) Be likely to receive implementation financing;

b) Have a procurement process that provides “equal access” to U.S. companies;

c) Represent an opportunity for sales of U.S. goods and services that is many times greater than the initial investment of USTDA assistance;

d) Be a development priority of the Project Sponsor and host country/region where the

Project is located and have the endorsement of the U.S. Embassy in that host country/region; and

e) Involve U.S. companies that are facing market entry problems and/or strong competition from foreign companies which often receive subsidies and other support from their governments.

To execute this requirement, the Contractor shall:

1. Meet or have a conference call with the responsible Country Manager…