SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

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

OFFEROR

ARS-1232SA

BELTSVILLE MD 20705

RM 3-2102

5601 SUNNYSIDE AVENUE

USDA ARS ACQUISITION AND PROPERTY D

ARS-1256EX CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

238330

SIZE STANDARD:

100.00 % FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED ORARS-1232SA

REQUEST FOR

PROPOSAL

(RFP)

INVITATION

FOR BID (IFB)

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

REQUEST FOR

QUOTE (RFQ)

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY

CLASSIFICATION STANDARD

(NAICS):

SMALL BUSINESS

04/22/2026 1300 CT

04/02/2026

850-819-8885THEODORE BLUME

(No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBER a. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

1232SA26Q0410

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

1 2 1165148OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

MADISON WI 53726

502 WALNUT STREET

MWA CEREAL CROPS RESEARCH (WI)

15. DELIVER TO

BELTSVILLE MD 20705

RM 3-2102

5601 SUNNYSIDE AVENUE

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$19

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

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FREE ON BOARD

(FOB) DESTINATION UNLESS

BLOCK IS MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULEX

12. DISCOUNT TERMS THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED

ORDER UNDER THE DEFENSE

PRIORITIES AND ALLOCATIONS

SYSTEM - DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

(SDVOSB)

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

USDA ARS ACQUISITION AND PROPERTY D

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (WOSB)

ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (EDWOSB)

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

RFQ 1232SA26Q0410 CCRU Facility Carpet Replacement - USDA-ARS-MWA Madison WI

The Contractor shall provide the services listed on their quote for carpet replacement in accordance with (IAW) the terms and conditions of the RFQs attachments. A purchase order will be awarded on a firm-fixed-price basis. Services will be provided no later than 30 days after receipt of award unless otherwise noted in your quote.

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

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

DATED

THEODORE S. BLUME

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

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

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

30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

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

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE (FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION) FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3

AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Government Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

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

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REFERENCE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

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

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

40. PAID BY39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER33. SHIP NUMBER

COMPLETE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

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

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Dol WD #2015-4897 Rev 30 dated 12-03-2025 is applicable to this award.

Invoice Processing Platform (IPP): All invoices must be submitted electronically through the

IPP via www.ipp.gov. Please see the terms and conditions for details.

Period of Performance: 05/01/2026 to 05/30/2026

0001 CCRU Facility Carpet

Product/Service Code: S214

Product/Service Description: HOUSEKEEPING- CARPET

LAYING/CLEANING

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

2 2 of

Attachment I CCRU Facility Carpet Replacement – Madison WI

1232SA26Q0410

Schedule of Items:

Provide your quoted price in Block 24 of the SF 1449.

Technical Data

1. Solicitation Attachments The following documents are included as attachments to this solicitation and can be accessed via the “Attachments/Links” section of the posting.

• Attachment I – Terms and Conditions

• Attachment II – SOW/Technical Specifications

• Attachment III – DOL WD No. 2015-4897 Rev 30 dated 12/03/2025

• Attachment IV – Contractor Request for Information (RFI)

• Attachment V – Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ)

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and United States Department of Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) Clauses and Provisions The clauses and provisions contained herein are applicable to any order awarded as a result of this solicitation. The terms and conditions set forth herein supersede all other terms and conditions. Acceptance of the order in accordance with (IAW) FAR 12.201-1(b)(2) constitutes acceptance of all terms and conditions contained herein.

As part of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), system updates may lag policy updates. The System for Award Management (SAM) may continue to require entities to complete representations based on provisions that are not included in this solicitation. Contracting officers will rely on representations from offers based on provisions in the solicitation. Entities are not required to, nor are they able to, update their entity registration to remove these representations in SAM.

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference Feb 1998 This solicitation 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 the clause may be accessed electronically at Internet address https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

52.212-4 Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025) 52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023) 52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) 52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Aug 2025) 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.222-50 52.226-8 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (May 2024) 52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations (Jun 2013) 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) 52.233-3 Protest After Award (Sep 2025) 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Sep 2025) 52.240-91 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions (Nov 2025) 52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025) https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52 https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

The following clauses are applicable if checked:

☒ 52.204-13 System for Award Management—Maintenance (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.209-6 Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (Sep 2025) ☒ 52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Aside (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.219-28 Postaward Small Business Program Representation (Sep 2025) ☒ 52.222-3 Convict Labor (June 2003) ☒ 52.222-36 Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-36 ☒ 52.222-40 Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010 ☒ 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) ☒ 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014)

This Statement is for Information Only:

It is not a Wage Determination

Employee Class Monetary Wage -- Fringe Benefits

WG-8-2 $28.36

WG-8-3 $29.48

WL-8-1 $29.95

☒ 52.222-55 Minimum Wage for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order (Mar 2026) ☒ 52.222-62 Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022) ☒ 52.223-2 Reporting of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contractors (Mar 2026) ☒ 52.223-23 Sustainable Products and Services ☒ 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer— System for Award Management (Oct 2018)

AGAR Clauses

452.203-71 Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Compliance (Dec 2025)

(a) By entering into this contract, the Contractor certifies that:

(1) It is compliant with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, and it will remain compliant for the duration of the contract.

(2) Neither it nor any subcontractor or teaming partner operates or funds any program, policy, or initiative that promotes DEI in a manner that violates any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, including but not limited to Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, and the Contractor and any subcontractor or teaming partner will not do so for the duration of the contract.

(b) If the Contractor participates in, facilitates, or funds programs that implicate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, including but not limited to grants to or for schools, colleges, universities, 4-H programs, non-governmental organization (NGO) programs, sports programs, and education-related grants to prisons or other detention facilities, the Contractor certifies that it will remain compliant with those laws, including the requirements set forth in Executive Order 14168, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, and Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

(c) The Contractor affirms that the above requirements are conditions of payment that go to the essence of the contract and are therefore material terms of the contract. Payments under the contract are predicated on compliance with the above requirements, and therefore the Contractor is not eligible for funding under the contract or to retain any funding under the contract absent compliance with the above requirements.

(d) This certification reflects a change in the Government’s position regarding the materiality of the foregoing requirements and therefore any prior payment of similar claims does not reflect the materiality of the foregoing requirements to this contract.

(e) Submission of a knowing false statement relating to Contractor’s compliance with the above requirements and/or eligibility for the contract may subject the Contractor to liability under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C.

§ 3729, and/or criminal liability, including under 18 U.S.C. §§ 287 and 1001.

(f) The Contractor must include the provisions of this clause in all subcontract solicitations.

(g) Failure on the part of the Contractor or its subcontractors to comply with the terms of this clause may be grounds for the Contracting Officer to terminate this contract for default.

(End of Clause)

452.204–70 Modification for Contract Closeout (Nov 2025)

(a) If unliquidated funds in the amount of $1000 or less remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer (Contracting Officer) shall issue a unilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification but will not be required to provide a signature. The Contracting Officer shall immediately proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(b) Upon contract closeout for contracts utilizing SAP: if unliquidated funds of more than $1000 remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer shall issue a bilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification and will be required to provide a signature. (The Contracting Officer may also request a “Contractor Release of Claims” be completed by the contractor, although not required for contracts and orders using SAP.) If the bilateral modification and Release of Claims are not returned to the Contracting Officer within 60 days, the Contracting Officer shall release the modification as unilateral and proceed with contract close-out upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(c) Upon contract closeout for contracts utilizing anything other than cost reimbursement, if unliquidated funds of more than $1000 remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer shall issue a bilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification and a ‘‘Contractor Release of Claims’’ and will be required to provide a signature on both forms. If the bilateral modification and Release of Claims are not returned to the Contracting Officer within 120 days, the Contracting Officer shall release the modification as unilateral and proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(End of Clause)

Solicitation Information

Award Type

It is anticipated that a firm-fixed price purchase order will be awarded as a result of this synopsis/solicitation.

The Government intends to make one award from this solicitation. Therefore, to be considered responsive, contractors must submit pricing for all items.

Evaluation and Basis for Award

The provision at FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services is not applicable to this solicitation. In lieu of this provision, quotes will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.203 based on the criteria listed below. Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government.

Technical Approach:

The technical approach will evaluate the ability of the offeror to provide a sound and compliant approach that meets all requirements and shows a thorough understanding of them. It is the contractor's responsibility to ensure their quotation clearly demonstrates their capability to meet these requirements. All offerors must provide the following minimum information and documentation with their quotations to be considered responsive and have their offers evaluated:

• Ability of the offeror to meet the schedule requirements listed in the Statement of Work (SOW).

• Detailed explanation of any requirement listed in the SOW that cannot be successfully accomplished by the offeror.

Price:

The offeror shall provide pricing as requested in Block 24 of the SF 1449 of this Request for Quote. Failure to propose pricing for all individual line items may result in a quotation being excluded from further consideration. The offeror’s quotation will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.204, to determine if it is fair and reasonable.

Past Performance:

The Government may utilize any references provided by the Contractor, along with information available from past contracts/orders with the USDA and any information found using sources such as Federal Government sources or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to determine if the Contractor has acceptable or neutral Past Performance. Past Performance will be evaluated using the following rating system:

• Acceptable: The contractor shows a demonstrated ability to meet contract requirements in prior or current contracts, including quality of work, timeliness, cost control, business relations, and adherence to contract terms.

• Neutral: Offeror does not have a past performance record.

• Unacceptable: The contractor has a documented history of failing to meet contract requirements, including poor quality, missed deadlines, cost overruns, lack of responsiveness, or unethical behavior.

Evaluation Method:

All quotations will be evaluated to identify the offeror presenting the most technically advantageous solution based on the stated evaluation criteria. Once the highest technically rated offeror is identified, their price will be evaluated to determine whether it is fair and reasonable. Past performance will also be assessed to ensure it is acceptable or neutral.

Award will be made to the offeror whose proposal is determined to be the highest technically rated, provided that:

• The proposed price is fair and reasonable, and

• Past performance is assessed as acceptable or neutral.

Award will not necessarily be made to the lowest-priced offeror. Tradeoffs will not be conducted.

Evaluation Criteria

Schedule – The Government’s requested period of performance is 30 days after the contractor receives the purchase order. Include your proposed period of performance in your quotation.

Relevant Experience - The Government will consider the extent to which the vendor demonstrates experience performing work similar in scope, size, and complexity to the requirements of this solicitation. Greater consideration will be given to vendors whose experience reflects a strong alignment with the Government’s needs.

Past Performance - Offerors shall provide completed Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQ) (see Attachment V) for three (3) relevant contracts (references) completed within the preceding five (5) year period.

Offerors shall also provide PPQs for all teaming partners and critical subcontractors to include three (3) relevant contracts (references) completed within the preceding five (5) year period. A critical subcontractor is defined as an entity (subcontractor, teaming Contractor) other than the offeror itself that will perform at least 20% or more of the total proposed contract. In addition to the PPQ for each teaming partner and critical subcontractor, the offeror shall also provide a consent letter executed by each of its proposed partners and critical subcontractors authorizing the release of adverse past performance information to the prime Contractor to allow the prime Contractor an opportunity to respond.

If no relevant contracts are available, the three (3) most recent contracts completed in the last five (5) years shall be used. Contracts listed may include those with the Federal Government, State and Local Governments or their agencies, and Commercial Customers. If an offeror has no relevant past performance history, the offeror must affirmatively state that it possesses no relevant past performance history.

The Government will evaluate the offeror’s past performance to assess the degree of confidence that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort. The evaluation will consider recency, relevancy, and quality of past performance.

Recency: Past performance information must be from efforts performed within the last five (5) years from the date of solicitation issuance. More recent performance may be given greater weight.

Relevancy: The Government will assess how closely the offeror’s past performance aligns with the scope, size, complexity, and type of work described in this solicitation. The Government will make an independent determination of relevancy of the data provided or obtained. Relevancy will be rated as:

· Very Relevant – Essentially the same scope and complexity.

· Relevant – Similar in scope and complexity.

· Somewhat Relevant – Some similarities in scope or complexity.

· Not Relevant – Little or no similarity.

Quality of Performance: The Government will evaluate the quality of the offeror’s performance on prior contracts, including:

· Timeliness of performance

· Technical quality

· Cost control (if applicable)

· Business relations

· Customer satisfaction

Sources may include CPARS, past performance questionnaires, and other verifiable references. The Government reserves the right to limit or expand the number of references it decides to contact and to contact references other than those provided by the offeror.

Confidence Assessment: Based on the recency, relevancy, and quality of past performance, the Government will assign one of the following confidence ratings:

· High Confidence – Government has a high expectation of successful performance.

· Some Confidence – Government has a reasonable expectation of success.

· Low Confidence – Government has concerns about successful performance.

· Neutral Confidence – No relevant past performance available; no positive or negative inference will be made.

Note: Offerors without relevant past performance will not be rated favorably or unfavorably but will receive a Neutral Confidence rating.

Price: Any quantity price discounts and discounts for prompt payment should be included in this section. The offeror shall provide pricing as requested in the attached SF 1449 in Block 24. Any quantity price discounts and discounts for prompt payment should be included in this section.

Evaluation Method:

The Government intends to evaluate quotations using a comparative evaluation methodology. This means quotations will be compared against one another to determine which provides the best value to the Government, based on the evaluation factors outlined in this solicitation.

The Government may consider quotations that exceed minimum requirements and offer additional value or benefits, even if they are not the lowest priced. However, formal trade-off procedures will not be conducted.

Place of Performance Information

USDA-ARS-MWA Cereal Crops Research Unit (CCRU) 502 Walnut St Madison WI 53726

Service Contract Labor Standards

This requirement is subject to the Department of Labor Standards Wage Determination No. 2015-4897 Rev 30 dated 12/03/2025.

Other Information -

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference Feb 1998 This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions 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.

The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025)

FAR 52.212-1 is amended as follows:

Period for acceptance of offers.

The Offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 60 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

Site Visit

A single organized site visit has been scheduled for Thursday, 9 April 2626 at 10:00 a.m. CDT. For the site visit, we ask the following:

• The names of any visitors, and whether or not they are US citizens (if not, they should bring a passport)

* All individuals interested in attending the site visit should pre-register by emailing Site POC mark.cumming@usda.gov and brian.brusky@usda.gov no later than 10:00 a.m. CDT Wednesday, 8 April 2026 with a list of names of attendees. This is necessary to ensure that the site is prepared for the number of visitors expected.

(c) Participants will meet in the lobby at:

USDA-ARS-MWA Cereal Crops Research Unit (CCRU) 501 Walnut Street Madison WI 53726

The Government will not reimburse any offeror for expenses related to attendance of https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52 mailto:mark.cumming@usda.gov mailto:brian.brusky@usda.gov this site visit. Offerors are urged and expected to inspect the site where services are to be performed and satisfy themselves regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the cost of performance, to the extent that the information is reasonably obtainable. In no event shall failure to inspect the site constitute grounds for a claim after contract award.

Questions Questions shall be submitted on Attachment IV – Contractor RFI via email to theodore.blume@usda.gov and are due no later than April 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM CDT. This will ensure enough time to respond before the solicitation period ends. Please include the solicitation name and number as the subject line of the email.

52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation (Jan 2017) 52.209-2 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations – Representation

(Aug 2025) 52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability of a Felony

Conviction and under any Federal Law (Aug 2025) 52.240-90 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications (Nov 2025)

The following provisions are applicable if checked:

☒ 52.204-7 System for Award Management—Registration (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.219-1 Small Business Programs Representations (Sep 2025) ☒ 52.237-1 Site Visits (Apr 1984)

AGAR Provisions

452.203-70 Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Certification (Dec 2025)

(a) By submission of its offer, the offeror certifies that:

(3) It is compliant with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution.

(4) Neither it nor any proposed subcontractor or teaming partner operates or funds any program, policy, or initiative that promotes DEI in a manner that violates any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, including but not limited to Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution.

(b) If the offeror participates in, facilitates, or funds programs that implicate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, including but not limited to grants to or for schools, colleges, universities, 4-H programs, non-governmental organization (NGO) programs, sports programs, and education-related grants to prisons or other detention facilities, by submission of its offer, the offeror certifies that it is compliant with those laws, including the requirements set forth in Executive Order 14168, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, and Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

(c) The offeror affirms that the above requirements are conditions of payment that go to the essence of the contract and are therefore material terms of the contract. Payments under the contract are predicated on mailto:theodore.blume@usda.gov compliance with the above requirements, and therefore the offeror will not be eligible for funding under the contract or to retain any funding under the contract absent compliance with the above requirements.

(d) This certification reflects a change in the Government’s position regarding the materiality of the foregoing requirements and therefore any prior payment of similar claims does not reflect the materiality of the foregoing requirements to this contract.

(e) Submission of a knowing false statement relating to offeror’s compliance with the above requirements and/or eligibility for the contract may subject the offeror to liability under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, and/or criminal liability, including under 18 U.S.C. §§ 287 and 1001.

(f) Failure on the part of the offeror or its subcontractors to comply with the terms of this clause may be grounds for the Contracting Officer to terminate the contract for default.

(End of Provision)

NOTICE FOR FILING AGENCY PROTESTS

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Ombudsman Program

The USDA is committed to issuing solicitations and awarding contracts in a fair and prompt manner. The Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests (OPAP) was established to address protest issues within the agency, providing an alternative to costly and time-consuming litigation. Operating independently, OPAP offers relief comparable to that granted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Interested parties are encouraged to resolve concerns through USDA’s internal Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process before pursuing external forums such as the GAO. Concerns may be addressed informally or through a formal agency protest filed with either the Contracting Officer or the Ombudsman.

Informal Forum with the Ombudsman

1. Initial Point of Contact: Interested parties who believe a specific USDA procurement is unfair or otherwise defective should first direct their concerns to the applicable Contracting Officer.

2. Escalation: If the Contracting Officer is unable to address their concerns, interested parties are encouraged to contact the USDA Ombudsman for Agency Protests. Under this informal process, the agency is not required to suspend contract award performance. Utilization of the informal forum does not suspend any time requirement for filing a formal protest with the agency or other forums.

3. Required Information: To ensure a timely response, interested parties should provide the following information to the Ombudsman: solicitation/contract number, contracting office, Contracting Officer, and solicitation closing date (if applicable).

Formal Agency Protest with the Ombudsman

1. Effort to Resolve: Prior to submitting a formal agency protest, protesters must first use their best efforts to resolve their concerns with the Contracting Officer through open and frank discussions.

2. Independent Review: If the protester’s concerns remain unresolved, an Independent Review is available by the Ombudsman. The protester may file a formal agency protest with either the Contracting Officer or, alternatively, with the Ombudsman under the OPAP program. Contract awards or performance will be suspended during the protest period unless justified in writing for urgent and compelling reasons or determined in writing to be in the best interest of the Government.

3. Resolution Timeline: The agency’s goal is to resolve protests within 35 calendar days from the date of filing.

4. Required Information: Protests shall include the information set forth in FAR 33.104(a)(3). Failure to submit the required information may result in a delay or dismissal of the protest.

5. Timeliness: Protests must be filed within the timeframes specified in FAR 33.104.

6. Submission: Formal protests under the OPAP program should be submitted electronically to SPE.inquiry@usda.gov and the Contracting Officer.

Election of Forum. By initiating a protest with the USDA, the protester agrees not to pursue the same matter with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or any other external forum while the agency protest is pending. If a protest is filed externally, the agency protest will be dismissed.

mailto:SPE.inquiry@usda.gov

Attachment II (Drawings/Photographs as separate Attachment II’s)

Statement of Work

Purpose: Cereal Crops Research Unit Facility Office Carpet Replacement

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 Scope of Work

The USDA ARS Cereal Crops Research Unit (CCRU) Facility, 502 Walnut Street, Madison, WI 53726, has a requirement to remodel eighteen (18) rooms and one hallway portion with new, updated carpet installation and flooring wall trim. The carpeting and associated wall trim of these offices shall be removed and replaced with new carpet and trim, as described herein. Existing carpet installation(s) and associated wall trim are provided in both the offices and closets. All demolished material generated by the scope of this work shall be removed from the CCRU facility and shall be legally disposed of by the contractor and all costs for legal disposal shall be included in the offeror’s proposal.

Offerors shall confirm all dimensions and existing conditions related to this scope of work; the square footage indicated below shall be considered approximate only.

• Conference Room 103 is approximately 1,262 sq. ft. and does not have any closets. Carpeting and associated wall trim of this office shall be removed in its entirety and replaced with new.

• Office 104 is approximately 138 sq. ft. and does not have any closets. Carpeting and associated wall trim of this office shall be removed in its entirety and replaced with new.

• Copier Room 105 is approximately 127 sq. ft. and does not have any closets.

Carpeting and associated wall trim of this office shall be removed in its entirety and replaced with new

• Office 107 is approximately 283 sq. ft. and does not have any closets. Carpeting and associated wall trim of this office shall be removed in its entirety and replaced with new.

• Offices 108-111 are approximately 139 sq. ft. and do not have any closets.

Carpeting and associated wall trim of this office shall be removed in its entirety and replaced with new.

• Office 112 is approximately 141 sq. ft. and does not have any closets. Carpeting and associated wall trim of this office shall be removed in its entirety and replaced with new.

• Hallway 113 is approximately 274 sq. ft. and does not have any closets.

Carpeting and associated wall trim of this office shall be removed in its entirety and replaced with new.

• Office 136 is approximately 288 sq. ft. and does not have any closets. Carpeting and associated wall trim of this office shall be removed in its entirety and replaced with new.

• Offices 137-138 are approximately 145 sq. ft. and do not have any closets.

Carpeting and associated wall trim of this office shall be removed in its entirety and replaced with new.

• Office 139 is approximately 296 sq. ft. and does not have any closets. Carpeting and associated wall trim of this office shall be removed in its entirety and replaced with new.

• Offices 140-142 are approximately 145 sq. ft. and do not have any closets.

Carpeting and associated wall trim of this office shall be removed in its entirety and replaced with new.

• Office 143 is approximately 139 sq. ft. and does not have any closets. Carpeting and associated wall trim of this office shall be removed in its entirety and replaced with new.

• Office 172 is approximately 142 sq. ft. and does not have any closets. Carpeting and associated wall trim of this office shall be removed in its entirety and replaced with new.

2.0 Background / Access to Facility:

• All “on-site” staff of the awarded offeror for this effort shall obtain temporary credentials to access the CCRU facility and must obtain a favorable adjudicated fingerprint check to obtain the temporary credential. The awarded offeror shall coordinate the fingerprinting and associated fingerprint background check to allow for its processing / review time period. The fingerprinting and associated fingerprint background check may be obtained through the CCRU facility (an appointment for person(s) needing site clearance / fingerprint will be coordinated and scheduled with the HSPD Registrar of the CCRU facility at a time mutually convenient to both parties). The CCRU facility does not charge for fingerprinting of staff of awarded offerors. The awarded offeror may obtain the required fingerprinting from an approved outside source (Livescan or approved provider).

If fingerprinting is obtained through an approved outside source, the offeror shall coordinate all requirements / instructions with the HSPD Registrar of the CCRU facility. Offeror shall be responsible for all costs in obtaining fingerprinting / background check through an outside source.

• Staff of the awarded offeror are required to “sign in / sign out” daily when on site at the CCRU facility. Favorably adjudicated staff will be issued an appropriate badge, staff without favorable adjudication will not be allowed to enter or remain at the CCRU facility. Badges shall be checked out and returned prior to the staff leaving the CCRU facility (badges shall not leave the CCRU facility). Site badges shall be obtained / returned through the facility’s managers (prior to 8 am and post 4 pm). A photo ID is required to obtain a facility badge.

• If potential asbestos containing material is observed / encountered during the removal of existing carpeting and associated trim. Contractor shall immediately notify Owner for review and hold on any additional carpet / trim removal until notified to proceed by Owner.

• Government shall provide access to building during facility’s normal working hours, 7:00am to 4:30pm CST, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays. All work shall be performed within these working hours, unless approved by the Government representative.

The awarded offeror may submit a request to work outside these normal work hours to Government’s representative, the Government’s representative will evaluate and determine acceptability.

• The CCRU facility has a loading dock that may be used by the offeror for unloading / loading materials, tools, equipment, etc. This loading dock is accessible from the ground level of the CCRU building. Any use of this loading dock shall be coordinated with CCRU such that on-going deliveries and shipments to the CCRU facility are maintained.

• Staging a dumpster at the loading dock is not allowable due to the quantity of traffic at that location. Exact location, size of dumpster, and time on property shall be coordinated with property owner prior to delivery.

• All furniture shall be removed from the affected spaces preceding installation of the carpet and trim by the contractor. The furniture shall be stored in general areas not affected by the project as designated by the CRRU facility personnel. Following installation of carpet and trim, these items shall be re-deployed to their appropriate office spaces by the contractor.

CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks:

• Work on this project shall be completed by technicians with at least 3 years of experience.

• Carpet:

o Existing carpet installation(s) in each room shall be removed in its entirety along with existing carpet adhesive. Existing concrete floors shall be prepared in accordance with new carpet manufacturer’s written instructions and recommendations; and in order to obtain manufacturer’s warranty. Floor preparation shall include testing existing concrete floors for moisture levels in accordance with new carpet manufacturer’s recommendations and encapsulating the concrete floor with floor sealer as recommended by new carpet manufacturer.

o New carpet shall be carpet tile type and shall be J+J Flooring Madras Modular model 7065, color 2391 in a quarter turn or an Equal. “Or Equal” product quotations shall provide product information (brochures, specifications, etc.) so a technical review can be conducted by the site representative(s).

o New carpet shall be installed in neat, workmanlike manner; in accordance with manufacturer’s written instructions and recommendations; and in manner to obtain manufacturer’s warranty. New carpet installation shall include placement of compatible adhesive system that is recommended by new carpet manufacturers, using the tools / methods recommended by the manufacturer.

o All carpet seams shall be square and seamless (with no gaps in carpet installation). Carpet tiles shall lay flat on the floor. Seams of the carpet tiles shall be spaced evenly, perpendicular to / parallel with room walls, and esthetically pleasing to the eye.

o Where piping / conduit floor penetrations occur within the offices and closets, carpet tile installation shall be cut and closely fitted around the piping / conduit penetrations to provide a new workmanlike installation that is esthetically pleasing to the eye.

o New carpet shall be installed in both the offices and closets.

o Additional carpet tiles shall be provided for spot replacement at a quantity of 10% overage.

• Trim – Carpet wall trim shall be provided in the new carpet installation of each room and shall be dark gray vinyl base with 4” height with 1/8” toe or cove o Existing wall trim and associated adhesives shall be removed in its entirety. Existing walls shall be prepared for new trim installation in accordance with manufacturer’s written instructions and recommendations.

o New wall trim shall be installed in new workmanlike manner; in accordance with manufacturer’s written instructions and recommendations; and in manner to obtain manufacturer’s warranty. Flooring wall trims shall be glued to the wall without puckering or waves using compatible adhesive system that is recommended by wall trim manufacturers.

o Trim shall be installed in single strips with seams only at doorways, corners or other fixed obstacles. Any additional seams needed on a long wall shall be reviewed and acceptable to the Owner prior to installation.

o New wall trim shall be installed in all the offices, hallways, and rooms.

• Thresholds – Flooring transition pieces or carpet seam binders are required at doorways between hallway and room entrances. Dark Gray vinyl transitions shall be used that match the trim for areas where carpet meets floor tile in doorways. Transition pieces are not required when carpeting continues between office side entries and into closets.

• Contractor will communicate with Technical Point of Contact to determine work completion when carpet has been installed.

• Offeror’s proposal shall include three references for carpet work completed in the past 5 years.

• Offeror’s proposal shall include sample warranty covering carpet tile delamination of the new products and shall include product data sheets on new carpeting and wall trim to be furnished

• The period of warranty for the new carpet and wall trim installation shall be 12 months from date of contract completion.

4.0 Government Furnished:

• The Government will not be furnishing any material / equipment for the improvements of this effort. All materials, equipment, materials, and labor needed for the improvements shall be provided by the Contractor.

5.0 Deliverables/Schedule:

• Work is expected to begin within 90 days from date of award and be complete within

1 month of start date.

6.0 Travel: N/A

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel: N/A

8.0 Security Requirements: Must be a US citizen and have no felonies.

9.0 Data Rights: N/A

10. Section 508 Electronic and Information Technology Standards: N/A

11.0 Evaluation Factors: See Attachment I – Terms and Conditions

12.0 Place of Performance: USDA-Cereal Crops Research Unit Facility, 502 Walnut Street, Madison, WI. 53726

13.0 Technical/Scheduling Point of Contact:

• Mark Cumming POC at mark.cumming@usda.gov mailto:mark.cumming@usda.gov

Room SQ FT Reference Sheet To CCRU Sq Footage Carpet Drawing

Room No(s) Square Footage Notes

103 1,262 Library/Conference Rm 104 138 Secretaries 105 127 Admin/Copier Area 107 283 RL Office 108 139 PI Office 109 139 PI Office 110 139 Post-Doc Office/IT 111 139 PI Office 112 141 PI Office 113 274 Corridor 136 288 Conference Room 137 145 Post-Doc Office 138 145 Post-Doc Office 139 296 Lounge 140 145 Post-Doc Office 141 145 Post-Doc Office 142 145 PI Office 143 139 Post-Doc Office 172 142 PI Office

Large Conference Room Furniture Arrangement

Small Conference Area Furniture Arrangement

Library Office Furniture

Copier area Furniture

Corridor

Transition to Tile

Office No. 1 Sample Office Furniture

Office No. 2 Sample Office Furniture Arrangement

Office No. 3 Sample Office Furniture Arrangement

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