1145PC24Q0023.docx

1145PC24Q0023

HBCU OUTREACH/ENGAGEMENT

TEST

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

Request for Quotation (RFQ) – Language Proficiency Interview Testing Services

GENERAL INFORMATION

Document Type: Combined Synopsis and Solicitation

North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS): 541810 – Advertising Agencies

Issuing Office:

CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS

Peace Corps Headquarters Office of Acquisition and Contract Management 1275 First Street NE Washington, DC 20526

Agency Contact: Maria C. Coleman, Contracting Officer, E-mail: mcoleman@peacecorps.gov with a copy to: Clifton Gardner, E-mail: cgardner@peacecorps.gov

SECTION 1 – DESCRIPTION

1.1 OVERVIEW.

This RFQ is a combined synopsis and solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures and FAR subpart 12.6 Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested, and a separate written solicitation document will not be issued.

The solicitation incorporates clauses and provisions in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2024-04 effective 05/01/2024.

All contractors are reminded that, in FAR part 52.204-7, System for Award Management (SAM), they must be registered in the www.sam.gov database when submitting a quote until time of award, during performance, and through the final payment of any contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchase agreement resulting from this solicitation.

The Government is in no way obligated to make an award, nor to pay any costs incurred by the contractor in preparing and submitting its quote.

1145PC24Q0023

HBCU OUTREACH/ENGAGEMENT

SECTION 2 – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

2 GENERAL

2.1 BACKGROUND

In support of The White House HBCU Initiative, the Peace Corps (PC) has committed to actively and proactively engaging with students, faculty, staff, and alumni of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, defines an HBCU as: “…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans.” One-hundred seven (107) schools currently hold the HBCU designation.

2.1.1 Peace Corps’ work to actively and proactively engage HBCUs, specifically, reflects its broader, long-term commitment to diversifying its volunteer corps and its workforce. Strategic Objective 2, as stated in the agency’s FY22-FY26 Agency Strategic Plan, is to: “Build a Volunteer corps and workforce that reflect U.S. and host country diversity and create inclusive and equitable systems and programs.”

2.1.2 Specifically, through this strategic objective, the Peace Corps aims to:

· Increase the percentage of recruited and retained Volunteers from underrepresented communities by FY 2026; and

· Increase the representation of underrepresented groups for U.S. direct hire (USDH) staff at all levels of the agency by FY 2026.

2.1.3 This effort, therefore, is one of many concurrent and continuous activities designed to:

· Engage HBCU students, faculty, administrators, and alumni;

· Make known the various employment and volunteer service opportunities with and through the Peace Corps;

· Create opportunities for HBCU students, faculty, administrators, and alumni to interact directly with Peace Corps’ HBCU alumni who are currently employed by and/or have served in Peace Corps; and

· Foster meaningful conversations about actual and perceived barriers to employment and international volunteer service that continue to dampen both the level of interest in working or serving in the Peace Corps and the number of applications submitted.

2.2 WHITE HOUSE HBCU INITIATIVE

2.2.1 Established in 1980 by President Jimmy Carter, The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities, more commonly referred to as The White House HBCU Initiative (WHI-HBCU), was implemented “to achieve a significant increase in the participation by historically Black colleges and universities in Federally sponsored programs.” Executive Order 12232 specified that the “…initiative shall seek to identify, reduce, and eliminate barriers which may have unfairly resulted in reduced participation in, and reduced benefits from, Federally sponsored programs.”

2.2.2 Peace Corps’ WHI-HBCU efforts are under the auspices of the Chief of Staff and operate in close collaboration and partnership with the Office of Volunteer Recruitment & Selection (VRS) and the Office of Human Resources (OHR). Peace Corps’ WHI-HBCU also works with offices across the agency to advance the shared goals of the agency and the initiative.

2.3 OFFICE OF VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT & SELECTION (VRS)

VRS promotes the Peace Corps and recruits, and places qualified men and women who represent the diversity of the United States to serve in overseas programs to meet the needs of the Peace Corps host countries.

3 SCOPE

This PWS covers logistical coordination and support for an interactive, mobile outreach and recruitment experience that will travel to various HBCU campuses, initially commencing in the late Summer and continuing throughout the Fall of 2024.

3.1 Outside of the scope of this PWS are:

· Recruitment and direct student engagement personnel; and

· Local marketing and advertising.

3.2 Quality Control (QC): The Contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control program that addresses all areas of the PWS to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The Contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The Contractor’s quality control program is the means by which it assures that its performance complies with the terms of the contract. The Contractor shall submit its QC plan within 15 days of contract award. Any changes to the QC plan must be provided to the Government through the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) and Contracting Officer (CO), at least seven days prior to implementation. After the Government concurs on the QC plan, the Contractor shall receive the COR’s acceptance in writing within five working days of any proposed change to the QC system.

3.3 Post-Award Conference/Weekly Progress Meetings: The Contractor agrees to attend any post-award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5. The CO, COR, and other Government personnel, as appropriate, shall meet weekly virtually every Tuesday with the Contractor to review the Contractor’s program and performance. At these meetings, the CO or designated personnel will apprise the Contractor of how the Government views the Contractor’s performance, and the Contractor will apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the Government.

3.3.1 Post-Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings: The Contractor agrees to attend any post-award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5. As appropriate, the Contracting Officer, Contracting Officers Representative, and other Government personnel may meet periodically with the Contractor to review the Contractor's performance. At these meetings, the CO or designated Agency personnel will inform the Contractor of how the Government views the Contractor's performance, and the Contractor shall apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the Government.

3.3.2 Operational Report: The Contractor shall provide Situation bi-weekly reports to the COR, TPOC, and other authorized Government personnel, as noted. These reports will be used for analyses, tracking milestones, and overall operations.

3.3.3 Final After-Action Report: A final report shall be sent with the final invoice with an assessment of, but not limited to:

· Identifying PWS areas in need of improvement;

· Make recommendations to improve it; and

· Capture key lessons learned.

3.3.4 All reports will be made available in the Microsoft Suite format, and all supporting data will be available in Adobe format.

3.3.5 Contracting Officer Representative (COR): The COR will be identified in a separate letter. The COR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration. The COR is authorized to perform the following functions: assure that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract; perform inspections necessary in connection with contract performance; maintain written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract; issue written interpretations of technical requirements, including Government specifications; monitor Contractor's performance and notify both the Contracting Officer and Contractor of any deficiencies; provide site entry of Contractors. A letter of designation issued to the COR, a copy of which has been sent to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR, especially with regard to changes in cost or price, estimates or changes in delivery dates. The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the resulting contract.

3.4 Outside of the scope of this PWS are:

· Recruitment and direct student engagement personnel; and

· Local marketing and advertising.

4 OBJECTIVE

The Summer/Fall 2024 HBCU Mobile Experience will engage HBCU students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni throughout the 2024 college football season in order to:

4.1 Make known the various employment and volunteer service opportunities with and through the Peace Corps;

4.2 Build upon the energy, spirit, and cultural significance of HBCU football games to create unique and special opportunities for HBCU students, faculty, administrators, and alumni to interact directly with Peace Corps’ HBCU alumni;

4.3 Ignite excitement about Peace Corps’ career pathways; and

4.4 Spark meaningful conversations about actual and perceived barriers to employment and international volunteer service.

5 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

5.1 MOBILE EXPERIENCE VEHICLE

The Contractor shall provide a marketing and outreach vehicle with custom-designed exterior wrap and interior fabrication to serve as the centerpiece and foundational component of the mobile experience tour. The strategy must include an end-to-end, turnkey solution that provides a comprehensive, high-quality, and cost-effective overall experience for seamless fulfillment of this mobile experience tour.

Solution pictured above includes mobile experience vehicle with visually appealing, eye-catching exterior wrap and an immersive, customer-focused interior experience. Outdoor experience designed to draw in event attendees and is thematically aligned with a “football tailgating” atmosphere. Includes games and promo tables allowing for Peace Corps staff to directly engage with visitors of all ages (i.e., lead generation, lead engagement, and pipeline building). Vehicle is versatile and, when closed, is compact for easy maneuvering, parking, and staging. Fuel-efficient.

Solution pictured above features ideal mobile experience vehicle (as shown in Pictures #1 and #2); however, outdoor design, layout, and components are lacking. Atmosphere not as inviting or attractive.

Solution pictured above is cost-effective and offers an opportunity for on-the-road brand visibility; however, a trailer is not a motor vehicle, and configuration will not support inclement weather.

Solution pictured above is a moderate solution (not terrible, but not ideal). Outdoor experience can be crafted as shown in “Ideal, Complete Solution” example. The vehicle has limited design space/visual appeal; additionally, the vehicle does not “expand” to create the eye-catching outdoor exhibit as depicted in the “Ideal, Complete Solution” example.

5.1.1 Vehicle Lease Agreement

Contractor shall secure a mobile experience vehicle that can be customized externally and internally, creating an immersive experience whereby the WHI-HBCU and Recruitment teams can:

· Showcase Peace Corps’ employment and volunteer service opportunities;

· Share stories from HBCU alumni who served;

· Provide practical information on starting your Peace Corps journey; and

· Dispel common myths and allay concerns about working and/or serving abroad.

5.1.1.1 Vehicle specifications are as follows:

· Non-commercial motor vehicle

· 15’ - 30’ vehicle

· Box truck, mini bus, or similar (See Example Pictures 1-4 above)

5.1.1.2 Vehicle selection must be approved by the Agency prior to execution of the vehicle lease agreement.

5.1.1.3 Lease term shall be 6 months.

5.1.1.3.1 OPTION: 6 months

5.2 VEHICLE EXTERIOR WRAP

The Contractor shall work with designated Peace Corps graphic design professional(s) to provide the vehicle supplier with artwork that meets the required specifications for the exterior vehicle wrap.

5.2.1 Exact artwork specifications to be provided by the subcontracted vehicle provider.

5.2.2 Mobile vehicle shall have the exterior wrapped by the subcontracted vehicle provider covering all visible, exterior sides of the vehicle. The final proposed wrap design will be approved by the Agency prior to the adhesion of the wrap.

5.3 VEHICLE INTERIOR DESIGN & FABRICATION

Contractor shall support the creation of an immersive, interior experience that integrates graphic imagery, architecture, sound, and technology to offer HBCU students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni a meaningful and culturally-specific/tailored perspective on the Peace Corps. The immersive experience is expected to:

5.3.1 Make known the various employment and volunteer service opportunities with and through the Peace Corps;

5.3.2 Build upon the energy, spirit, and cultural significance of HBCU football games to create a unique and special opportunity for HBCU students, faculty, and alumni to interact directly with Peace Corps’ HBCU alumni;

5.3.3 Ignite excitement about Peace Corps’ career pathways; and

5.3.4 Spark meaningful conversations about actual and perceived barriers to employment and international volunteer service.

5.4 OPERATIONS AND LOGISTICS

5.4.1 TOUR MANAGEMENT & PERSONNEL

Contractor shall provide the following tour support services and personnel:

5.4.1.1 One (1) experienced, licensed, bonded, and insured driver with appropriate licensure for selected vehicle;

5.4.1.2 One (1) qualified and dedicated tour manager to coordinate, oversee, and manage all on-the-road, en route, and on-site/on-campus needs and logistics;

5.4.1.3 Utilize secure storage, shipping, warehousing and inventory tracking for all gear and promotional materials/items that must accompany each activation; and

5.4.1.4 Any other personnel as mutually determined (by the Agency and the Contractor) to be necessary for the successful execution of the mobile experience tour.

5.4.2 VEHICLE OPERATIONS

Contractor shall manage and oversee vehicle operations and logistics as follows:

5.4.2.1 Manage and maintain all vehicle equipment;

5.4.2.2 Manage and maintain all vehicle warranties and insurance for the duration of the lease term;

5.4.2.3 Provide and maintain an active warranty for interior fabrications and/or custom builds for the duration of the lease term;

5.4.2.4 Maintain all other requirements not specifically listed here for successful and uninterrupted vehicle operation for the duration of the lease, including maintenance, repairs, and roadside assistance.

5.4.3 TOUR DURATION, DISTANCE, AND ROUTE

Contractor shall support a mobile experience tour that meets the following minimum criteria:

· Approximately 8-12 weeks of consecutive activations starting no later than Friday, September 13, 2024;

· Up to 4,000 total miles in distance; and

· Inclusive of pay, per diem, and hotels not to exceed $150/person/night, for example.

5.4.3.1 Tour stops and site specifications will be provided after the contract is awarded and at least ninety (90) days prior to the first tour date.

5.4.3.2 Tour is expected to be confined to Eastern Standard and Central Standard Time zone regions. Agency reserves the right to add stops outside of this region within the above stated total tour mileage.

5.4.4 OPTIONAL TASK: TOUR ADJUSTMENTS

5.4.4.1 Tour Route Change

The Agency maintains the right to revise the tour route by giving the Tour Manager at least 10 days’ notice (prior to the proposed date change).

5.4.4.2 Mileage Increase: Increase mileage, as needed, in 500-mile increments.

5.4.5 SITE IDENTIFICATION, SELECTION, AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

Contractor shall manage and oversee all site and regulatory compliance logistics as follows:

· Ensure compliance with all U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements, inspections, road permits and tolls, vehicle licensing and regulations;

· Obtain all necessary permits (transit, parking, or otherwise) for Agency-identified tour stops; and

· Manage mobile experience vehicle arrival and departure schedules in accordance with tour route and stop specifications no later than two hours prior to the event start time or as defined by the Agency.

5.4.6 OPTIONAL TASK: HBCU BRANDED RECRUITMENT ITEMS AND MATERIALS (VARIOUS MEDIA) At the direction of the Agency, the Contractor shall oversee the production and/or procurement, as well as the delivery of branded culturally-specific recruitment items and materials in various media. The Agency will provide all necessary artwork and copies in accordance with product specifications.

5.4.6.1 Materials Purchase

Contractor shall procure branded recruitment items. A list of specific items to be procured shall be provided within thirty (30) days after receipt of award (AOR).

For Illustrative Purposes Only

HBCU Promo Items

Rally Towels 9,230

Clear Totes w/ Zipper 4,500

Koozies 18,000

Folding Fans 10,000

5.4.6.2 Materials Shipping and Delivery

Contractor shall ensure that branded recruitment items and materials are shipped to each stop on the tour route and are either delivered to or made available for pick-up by the mobile experience vehicle prior to the start of the scheduled activation.

6 ADDITIONAL CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

Pursuant to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d) as amended by P.L. 105-220 under Title IV (Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998) all Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) developed, procured, maintained and/or used under this contract shall be in compliance with the “Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards” set forth by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (also referred to as the “Access Board”) in 36 CFR Part 1194. The complete text of Section 508 Standards can be accessed at http://www.access-board.gov/ or at http://www.section508.gov.

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 1

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY (PRS)

The contractor service requirements are summarized into performance objectives that relate directly to mission essential items. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimum acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. These thresholds are critical to mission success.

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 2

DELIVERABLES SCHEDULE*

· Make recommendations to improve it; and

· Capture key lessons learned.

TBD

TBD

* Note: MS Office Suite Documents format submitted to the COR/TPOC or authorized Peace Corps personnel as directed

ATTACHMENT 1

OFFEROR’S SELF-ASSESSMENT

(Yes or No) Summarized Response (Please reference the relevant technical proposal page and paragraph)

Section 2 General

Prior experience: Multi-campus college tour

Prior experience: Multi-stop mobile experience tour

Prior experience: Outreach to and engagement of targeted demographic (i.e., HBCU students, alumni, faculty, staff)

Section 5.1 Mobile Experience Vehicle

Capable of custom interior fabrication

Supports exterior wrapping

Set-up time: ≤ 60-min

Section 5.1.1.1 Vehicle Specifications

Fuel efficient

Non-commercial motor vehicle (i.e., no CDL required)

Vehicle Length: 20’ – 35’ (closed/not expanded)

Interior can accommodate five (5) or more adults at one time

Completely enclosed interior (e.g., inclement weather shelter)

Section 5.2 Exterior Wrap

Wrap imagery covers 70% or more of visible vehicle exterior (excluding wheels, lights, mirrors, front windshield)

Section 5.3 Vehicle Interior Design & Fabrication

Can support multimedia viewing

Can support custom lighting

Can support seating for 2 or more people

Can support graphic imagery and text-based wall designs

Can support interior power outlets (Standard 120V)

Can support interior audio

Section 5.4.1 Tour Management & Personnel

Licensed, bonded, insured driver with appropriate vehicle licensure

Tour manager

On-the-road logistics management

On-site/on-campus logistics coordination

Secure storage, shipping, warehousing, inventory tracking for all accompanying gear and promotional items

Delivery of all gear and promo items to each tour stop site

SECTION 6 – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION:

6.1 CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

Contracting Officer Maria C. Coleman 1275 First Street NE Washington, DC 20526 Email: mcoleman@peacecorps.gov

Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) Entered at award.

6.2 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S AUTHORITY

The Contracting Officer (CO) is the only person authorized to make or approve any changes to any of the requirements of this contract, and, notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this contract, the said authority remains solely with the Contracting Officer. In the event the Contractor makes any changes at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the change will be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment will be made in the contract terms and conditions, including price.

6.3 TECHNICAL POINT OF CONTACT (TPOC)

The Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) supports and assists the CO in the technical monitoring and administration of this purchase order. The TPOC will monitor the Contractor’s technical compliance and progress relative to this purchase order. Technical direction is defined as direction to the Contractor which fills in details, suggests possible lines of inquiry, or otherwise supplements the scope of work. Technical direction must be confined to the general scope of work of this order and shall not constitute a new assignment, nor supersede or modify term or condition under the purchase order. The TPOC is NOT authorized to re-delegate his or her authority.

All correspondence concerning technical matters related to this purchase order shall be addressed to the TPOC with a copy to the Contract Specialist and CO

6.4 INTERPRETATIONS OF MODIFICATIONS

No oral or written statement of any person and no written statement of anyone other than the CO shall modify or otherwise affect the terms and conditions of this contract. Requests for interpretations, modifications or changes must be made in writing to the CO. The technical point of contact can only respond to technical matters that do not result in a change of scope to this contract.

SECTION 7 – PAYMENT AND INVOICING

INVOICE INSTRUCTIONS (APR 2021)

Minimum requirements for a PROPER INVOICE:

· Complete contract number, including task/delivery/call order number (if applicable);

· Name and address of the Contractor;

· Invoice date and invoice number;

· Description of supplies/products/services provided;

· Quantity of services/supplies provide;

· Period of performance covered by the invoice;

· Unit of issue, as specified in the Contract Line Item Number (CLIN), and/or Schedule of services;

· Unit price and extended total, for each CLIN;

· Invoice total;

· Shipping and payment terms, (as applicable);

· Electronic funds transfer (EFT) account/payment information;

· Signature of the Contractor's authorized representative;

· Contractor's Tax Identification Number (TIN); and

· Any other contract-directed requirements.

In the event that an invoice is “improperly” submitted (e.g. incorrect contract/order number, invoice amount, labor categories, contract rates, CLINs, etc.) it will be rejected as an improper invoice and returned to the contractor. Also, an invoice is considered improper if it is received before the product or service is received, inspected and accepted by the COR.

Invoice delivery and formatting

· Invoices shall be in PDF format and forwarded via email to GAPdomesticinvoice@peacecorps.gov with a copy to the COR and/or TPOC;

· A separate attachment for each invoice is required;

· The invoice size should be standard 8.5’x11’;

· The representative signing the invoice must also print his/her name, direct phone number and email address on the invoice;

· Bill only for one delivery order per invoice;

· Bill for only one option period per invoice;

· Never bill in excess of the contract obligated amount ; and

· Do not bill for state and local taxes unless authorized by law, policy or the CO.

Invoice Certification Upon receipt of the invoices, the COR and/or TPOC will evaluate the invoices for correctness and appropriateness of the charges and will ensure that chargeable items appearing on the invoices have been received, inspected, and accepted by the Peace Corps. In the event that the Peace Corps discovers any discrepancies in the invoice, the COR and/or TPOC will notify the Contracting Officer (CO) and the Contracting Officer and COR and/or TPOC will, in addition to following the requirements of the Prompt Payment Act, take steps necessary to resolve the discrepancies with the Contractor.

Invoice Payment For the purposes of this subsection, “invoice payment” is a Government disbursement of moneys to the Contractor under this contract for products and/or services which are received, inspected, and accepted by the Government. Invoices are payable in accordance with the requirements of the Prompt Payment Act. Payment will be considered as being made on the day of the electronic funds transfer is made. The failure to properly submit invoices may result in a delay in payment.

For questions regarding payments, please send an email inquiry, including the contract number and order number (if applicable), the invoice number, billed amount, due date, and date sent via email to Disbursing@peacecorps.gov.

Withholding of Contract Payments Notwithstanding any other payment provision of this contract, failure of the Contractor to submit required reports when due, or failure to perform or deliver required services/supplies may result in the withholding of payments under this contract. Payments may be withheld unless such failure arises out of circumstances beyond the Contractor’s control and without fault or negligence on the part of the Contractor, as provided for in the relevant contract clauses. The Peace Corps will promptly notify the Contractor of its intention to withhold payment of any voucher or invoice in full; however, if only a portion(s) of the invoice are being withheld, then the voucher may be processed without notification to the Contractor to prevent delay in payment.

Final Invoice The Contractor’s final invoice submitted under the contract must be marked as follows: THIS INVOICE CONSTITUTES THE FINAL INVOICE – UPON PAYMENT OF THIS INVOICE NO OTHER MONIES ARE DUE UNDER CONTRACT NUMBER (to be assigned upon contract award). Upon receipt of final payment, the contractor agrees to complete a “Release of Liability” within 10 days from date “Release of Liability” is received from the CO.

Unliquidated Obligations (ULO) An unliquidated obligation (ULO), for this purpose, represents the amount of goods or services ordered by the Peace Corps for which payment has not been made (liquidated). The parties agree that any remaining ULO amount equal to or less than $100 for which 1) the performance period has expired and 2) the final invoice has been received will be unilaterally de-obligated via a modification to the contract.

SECTION 8 – SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

8.1 USE OF PEACE CORPS NAME OR LOGO

The Contractor shall make no publicity announcements or issue other public relations or promotional materials mentioning the Contractor’s connection with Peace Corps without first consulting with the Contracting Officer. Further the Contractor shall not use the Peace Corps name and/or logo in conjunction with, or proximity to, the Contractor’s logo, trademark, trade name or facsimile thereof (co-branding) without the advance written concurrence of the Contracting Officer.

8.2 RESTRICTION ON ADVERTISING

The Contractor shall not refer to this contract in commercial advertising or similar promotions in such a manner as to state or imply that the product or service provided is endorsed or preferred by the Peace Corps, or any other element of the Federal Government, or is considered by these entities to be superior to other products or services. Any advertisement by the Contractor shall contain the following statement: “This advertisement is neither paid for nor sponsored, in whole or in part, by any element of the United States Government.”

8.3 PRIVACY ACT

The Contractor, in the course of performing this requirement, will be the custodian of, and therefore inherently will have access to, personally identifiable information (PII) and files protected under the Privacy Act. Such information shall be kept secure whether it is in electronic or paper form. Privacy Act systems of records include paper & electronic records that the Peace Corps controls, and/or which are collected for the Peace Corps. Such records contain personal information about individuals which are accessed by name or any other personal identifier. The Contractor shall treat any material or records that contain personal information on an individual, whether filed in a system of records or any other Agency file, in a confidential manner. There are penalties under the Privacy Act if information is improperly disclosed.

8.4 PROTECTION OF INFORMATION

Security. The Contractor does not require access to classified data; however, the Contractor may require access to information which is to be handled as “For Official Use Only”, and which may be covered by the Privacy Act and the HIPAA. The Contractor shall ensure that staff assigned to this task understand the meaning of these categories of data and handle them accordingly.

Dissemination of Information/Publishing. There shall be no dissemination or publication of information developed under this contract or contained in the reports to be furnished pursuant to this contract, except within and between the Peace Corps, Contractor and any subcontractors.

The Contractor agrees not to divulge information, in whole or in part, in any manner or form, nor to authorize or permit others to do so, taking such reasonable measures as are necessary to restrict access to such information while in the Contractor´s possession, to those employees, subcontractors, and/or consultants needing such information to perform the work described herein, i.e., on a "need to know" basis, without prior written approval of the Peace Corps COR or the CO. The Contractor also agrees to insert the substance of this clause in any consultant or subcontract agreement/contract. The Contractor will immediately notify the CO in writing in the event that the Contractor determines or has reason to suspect a breach of this requirement has occurred.

8.5 BREACH OF INFORMATION NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENT

In accordance with the Peace Corps’ Manual Section 899, Breach Notification Response Plan attachment 4, the Contractor shall provide notification of a suspected or known breach promptly (within 4 hours) by calling the Peace Corps’ Domestic Services Help Desk at 1-202-692-1000.

A breach and/or incident means the loss of control, compromise, unauthorized disclosure, unauthorized acquisition, unauthorized access, or any similar term referring to situations where persons other than authorized users and for other than authorized purposes have access or potential access to Personally Identifiable Information (PII) or Covered Information, whether physical or electronic. The Peace Corps’ Manual Section 899 will be incorporated into the resulting order to provide the definitions of PII and Covered Information. If a suspected or known breach occurs, the Contractor shall work with and provide necessary information, as requested, to the Peace Corps’ Response Team who will respond to the notification.

8.6 NON-DISCLOSURE

The Contractor shall not publish or disclose in any manner, without the Contracting Officer’s written consent, the details of any safeguards either designed or developed by the Contractor under this order or any other non-public information otherwise provided by the Government.

8.7 INDIVIDUALS/ENTITIES ENGAGED IN INTELLIGENCE ACTIVITIES

It is the policy of Peace Corps to exclude from engagement via contractual relationship, including subcontracts, any individuals who have engaged in intelligence activity or related work or who have been employed by or connected with an intelligence agency.

8.9 SYSTEM ACCESSIBILITY AND EASE OF USE

Software Accessibility and Ease of Use Section 508 – Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) Standards Pursuant to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d) as amended by P.L. 105-220 under Title IV (Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998) all Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) developed, procured, maintained and/or used under this contract shall be in compliance with the “Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards” set forth by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (also referred to as the “Access Board”) in 36 CFR Part 1194. The complete text of Section 508 Standards can be accessed at http://www.access-board.gov/ or at http://www.section508.gov.

A printed copy of the standards will be supplied upon request. The Contractor shall comply with the following technical standards as applicable:

1194.21 Software applications and operating systems

1194.22 Web-based intranet and internet information and applications

1194.23 Telecommunications products

1194.24 Video and multimedia products

1194.25 Self-contained, closed products

1194.26 Desktop and portable computers

1194.31 Functional performance criteria

1194.41 Information, documentation, and support

Contractor must provide an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) from a completed Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®). For more information on creating an ACR using a VPAT®, visit: https://www.section508.gov/sell/how-to-create-acr-with-vpat/.

8.10 OBSERVANCE OF LEGAL HOLIDAYS

(a) The Government hereby provides NOTICE and Contractor hereby acknowledges RECEIPT that Government personnel observe the listed days as holidays:

New Year's Day Martin Luther King's Birthday President's Birthday Memorial Day Juneteenth Independence Day Labor Day Columbus Day Veteran's Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas

(b) In addition to the days designated as holidays, the Government observes the following days:

Any other day designated by Federal Statute Any other day designated by Executive Order Any other day designated by the President's Proclamation

(c) It is understood and agreed between the Government and the Vendor that observance of such days by Government personnel shall not otherwise be a reason for an additional period of performance, or entitlement to compensation except as set forth within the purchase order. If a Contractor believes that an unplanned absence impacted the price or period of performance they should notify the contracting officer of the changed condition and submit a claim for equitable adjustment (see FAR 52.212-4(d) and (f)).

(d) Nothing in this clause abrogates the rights and responsibilities of the parties relating to a stop work provisions as cited in other sections of this purchase order

8.11 RELEASE OF CLAIMS

(a) At the conclusion of the purchase order, and prior to final payment, the Contractor shall furnish to the Contracting Officer, a release of claims against the United States arising out of the order placed, other than claims specifically excepted from the operation of the release. Copies of the required form may be obtained from the Contracting Officer.

8.12 DATA RIGHTS

c. Contractor Produced Data and Materials. All property rights, including publication rights, in the information and materials produced by the Contractor in connection with this contract shall vest in the Government.

8.13 RECORDS MANAGEMENT OBLIGATIONS

A. Applicability This clause applies to all Contractors whose employees create, work with, or otherwise handle Federal records, as defined in Section B, regardless of the medium in which the record exists.

B. Definitions “Federal record” as defined in 44 U.S.C. § 3301, includes all recorded information, regardless of form or characteristics, made or received by a Federal agency under Federal law or in connection with the transaction of public business and preserved or appropriate for preservation by that agency or its legitimate successor as evidence of the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the United States Government or because of the informational value of data in them.

The term Federal record:

1. includes Peace Corps records.

2. does not include personal materials.

3. applies to records created, received, or maintained by Contractors pursuant to their Peace Corps contract.

4. may include deliverables and documentation associated with deliverables.

C. Requirements

1. Contractor shall comply with all applicable records management laws and regulations, as well as National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) records policies, including but not limited to the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. chs. 21, 29, 31, 33), NARA regulations at 36 CFR Chapter XII Subchapter B, and those policies associated with the safeguarding of records covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a). These policies include the preservation of all records, regardless of form or characteristics, mode of transmission, or state of completion.

2. In accordance with 36 CFR 1222.32, all data created for Government use and delivered to, or falling under the legal control of, the Government are Federal records subject to the provisions of 44 U.S.C. chapters 21, 29, 31, and 33, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), as amended, and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended and must be managed and scheduled for disposition only as permitted by statute or regulation.

3. In accordance with 36 CFR 1222.32, Contractor shall maintain all records created for Government use or created in the course of performing the contract and/or delivered to, or under the legal control of the Government and must be managed in accordance with Federal law. Electronic records and associated metadata must be accompanied by sufficient technical documentation to permit understanding and use of the records and data.

4. Peace Corps and its contractors are responsible for preventing the alienation or unauthorized destruction of records, including all forms of mutilation. Records may not be removed from the legal custody of Peace Corps or destroyed except for in accordance with the provisions of the agency records schedules and with the written concurrence of the Head of the Contracting Activity. Willful and unlawful destruction, damage or alienation of Federal records is subject to the fines and penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 2701. In the event of any unlawful or accidental removal, defacing, alteration, or destruction of records, Contractor must report to Peace Corps. The agency must report promptly to NARA in accordance with 36 CFR 1230.

5. The Contractor shall immediately notify the appropriate Contracting Officer upon discovery of any inadvertent or unauthorized disclosures of information, data, documentary materials, records or equipment. Disclosure of non-public information is limited to authorized personnel with a need-to-know as described in the [contract vehicle]. The Contractor shall ensure that the appropriate personnel, administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are established to ensure the security and confidentiality of this information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is properly protected. The Contractor shall not remove material from Government facilities or systems, or facilities or systems operated or maintained on the Government’s behalf, without the express written permission of the Head of the Contracting Activity. When information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is no longer required, it shall be returned to the Peace Corps control or the Contractor must hold it until otherwise directed. Items returned to the Government shall be hand carried, mailed, emailed, or securely electronically transmitted to the Contracting Officer or address prescribed in the [contract vehicle]. Destruction of records is EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED unless in accordance with Paragraph (4).

6. The Contractor is required to obtain the Contracting Officer's approval prior to engaging in any contractual relationship (sub-contractor) in support of this contract requiring the disclosure of information, documentary material and/or records generated under, or relating to, contracts. The Contractor (and any sub-contractor) is required to abide by Government and Peace Corps guidance for protecting sensitive, proprietary information, classified, and controlled unclassified information.

7. The Contractor shall only use Government IT equipment for purposes specifically tied to or authorized by the contract and in accordance with Peace Corps policy.

8. The Contractor shall not create or maintain any records containing any non-public Peace Corps information that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract.

9. The Contractor shall not retain, use, sell, or disseminate copies of any deliverable that contains information covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 or that which is generally protected from public disclosure by an exemption to the Freedom of Information Act.

10. The Peace Corps owns the rights to all data and records produced as part of this contract. All deliverables under the contract are the property of the U.S. Government for which the Peace Corps shall have unlimited rights to use, dispose of, or disclose such data contained therein as it determines to be in the public interest. Any Contractor rights in the data or deliverables must be identified as required by FAR 52.227-11 through FAR 52.227-20.

11. Training. All Contractor employees assigned to this contract who create, work with, or otherwise handle records are required to take Peace Corps provided records management training. The Contractor is responsible for confirming training has been completed according to agency policies, including initial training and any annual or refresher training. The Peace Corps will provide the required records management training to the contractor.

D. Flowdown of requirements to subcontractors

1. The Contractor shall incorporate the substance of this clause, its terms and requirements including this paragraph, in all subcontracts under this contract or agreement and require written subcontractor acknowledgment of same.

2. Violation by a subcontractor of any provision set forth in this clause will be attributed to the Contractor.

8.12.1 Computer Software and/or Computer Database(S)

Delivered To and/or Received By the Government

The Contractor agrees to test for viruses on all computer software and/or computer databases, before delivery of that computer software or computer database in whatever media and on whatever system the software is delivered. The Contractor warrants that any such computer software and/or computer database will be free of viruses when delivered.

The Contractor agrees to test any computer software and/or computer database(s) received from the Government for viruses prior to use under this contract.

SECTION 9 – CLAUSES

FAR 52.252-2 – CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

The following FAR clauses are incorporated 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.