1240BE26Q0015.pdf

R10 National Forest Employee Audiogram Testing

(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or commercial services prepared in accordance with FAR part 12. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation. Offers are being requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

Solicitation number 1240BE26Q0015 is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ).

This acquisition is unrestricted. This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference. The full text of provisions and clauses may be accessed electronically at www.acquisition.gov.

The NAICS code is The NAICS code is 621999 and the Small Business Size Standard is $20.5 mil.

(ii) A list of line-item number(s) and items, quantities, and units of measure

(including option(s), if applicable).

Schedule of Items

Project Description: R10 National Forest Employee Audiogram Testing

Vendor Name: Vendor UEJ:

Item Supplies/Services Qty Unit of Issue

Unit Price Total Price

Base Year 2026: Hearing Test Kit

5 EA $ $

0002 Base Year 2026: Hearing Test

500 EA $ $

0003 Base Year 2026: Setup Assistance

1 LS $ $

1001 Option Year 2027: Hearing Test Kit

5 EA $ $

1002 Option Year 2027: Hearing Tests

500 EA $ $

1003 Option Year 2027: Setup Assistance

1 LS $ $

2001 Option Year 2028: Hearing Test Kit

5 EA $ $

2002 Option Year 2028: Hearing Tests

500 EA $ $

2003 Option Year 2028: Setup Assistance

1 LS $ $

3001 Option Year 2029: Hearing Test Kit

5 EA $ $

http://www.acquisition.gov/

3002 Option Year 2029: Hearing Test

500 EA $ $

3003 Option Year 2029: Setup Assistance

1 LS $ $

4001 Option Year 2030: Hearing Test Kit

5 EA $ $

4002 Option Year 2030: Hearing Test

500 EA $ $

3003 Option Year 2030: Setup Assistance

1 LS $ $

Total $

Schedule Notes:

a) Only one award may be made from this solicitation.

b) Quoters MUST provide a spec sheet for the quoted equipment in order to validate it meets the solicitation salient characteristics.

Description of requirements for the items to be acquired, including documentation supporting any brand name descriptions (see 12.102).

This is a non-personal services contract to provide the USFS Region 10 with audiogram hearing test devices. The government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. The Government will not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein.

Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn, is responsible to the Government.

Background: Region 10 encompasses the Tongass and the Chugach National Forests in Alaska. The USFS Tongass National Forest (TNF) comprises 17 million acres spanning Southeast Alaska and employs approximately 450 employees across 10 ranger districts. The Craig Ranger District (CRD) is in the city of Craig, Alaska. The Chugach National Forest (CNF) spans approximately 7 million acres spread across three ranger districts. Both the Tongass and Chugach employ sawyers and equipment operators who require annual OSHA approved hearing tests.

There are no road systems connecting most of the communities within Southeast Alaska.

Thorne Bay and Craig, on Prince of Wales Island, are connected by road however the island is not. All communities are accessible by commercial airflight, state operated ferry and commercial barging services.

Purpose: The objective of this contract is to procure “Portable Audiometric Testing Devices” for use throughout the Tongass National Forest in an employee Hearing Conservation Program (HCP). The HCP shall be led and managed by two Safety and Occupational Health Managers (SOHM), one from the TNF and one from the CNF who will manage the HCP and conduct audiometric testing.

The contractor shall ensure provision of annual audiometric examination services for use in a region-wide HCP. The contractor shall assist in the efficient management of the HCP, provide analyses of employee test results, and implement a HIPPA-compliant repository or database for the collecting and storing of all test data. The data repository will allow Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) professionals and other designated individuals to evaluate most recent audiograms against baseline audiograms to determine whether a Standard Threshold Shift (STS) occurred. All STS retests must be confirmed within 30-day period as required by OSHA’s Noise Exposure Standard in coordination with the district’s supervisor who is assigned the area of responsibility that employee works. This method of data-tracking and record-keeping will facilitate the need for any follow-up audiograms and/or retesting. This repository will remain the property of the US Forest Service upon completion of the contract.

(iii) Date(s) and place(s) of delivery and acceptance and f.o.b. destination (see part

47). This contract does not call for any on-site work by the contractor.

For the Tongass National Forest, three Audiogram devices are to be delivered to either of the following addresses:

PO Box 500, Craig, Alaska, 99921

For the Chugach National Forest two audiogram devices will be provided. One will be delivered to:

161 E. 1st Ave (Door #8). Anchorage, Alaska 99501

The other will be delivered to:

c/o: Kristin Much, P.O. Box 280, 612 Second Street Cordova, AK 99574

Period of Performance:

The period of performance is expected to begin January 31, 2026, and conclude December 31, 2030, Total performance duration for the base item and all optional items is approximately 5 years.

(iv) The following FAR solicitation provisions apply to this acquisition (see 12.205(a)).

• 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Products and Commercial Services

(AUG 2025)(DEVIATION)

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV

2025) (DEVIATION)

(a) Submission of offers. Submit signed and dated offers to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. As a minimum, offers shall include—

(1) The solicitation number;

(2) The name, address, telephone number of the Offeror;

(3) The Offeror’s Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and, if applicable, Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator;

(4) Information necessary to evaluate the factors contained in the provision at 52.212-2 or as described in the solicitation;

(5) Responses to provisions that require Offeror completion of information, representations, and certifications (other than those collected via the System for Award Management (SAM)); and

(6) A statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation and any solicitation amendments.

(b) 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, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation.

(c) Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals of offers.

(1) Offerors are responsible for submitting offers and any modifications or revisions to the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation.

(2) Any offer, modification, or revision received after the time specified for receipt of offers is “late” and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made and the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition. However, a late modification of an otherwise successful offer that makes its terms more favorable to the Government will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

(3) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that offers cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of offers by the exact time specified in the solicitation, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation or other notice of an extension of the closing date, the time specified for receipt of offers will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.

(4) Offerors may withdraw their offers by written notice to the Government received at any time before award.

(d) Contract award. The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with Offerors. Therefore, the Offeror’s initial offer should contain the Offeror’s best terms. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions, if necessary. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest, accept other than the lowest offer, and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

(e) Debriefings. If a postaward debriefing is given to requesting Offerors, the Government will disclose the following information, if applicable:

(1) The agency’s evaluation of the significant weak or deficient factors in the debriefed Offeror’s offer.

(2) The overall evaluated cost or price and technical rating of the successful Offeror and the debriefed Offeror and past performance information on the debriefed Offeror.

(3) The overall ranking of all Offerors when any ranking was developed by the agency during source selection.

(4) A summary of the rationale for award.

(5) For acquisitions of commercial products, the make and model of the product to be delivered by the successful Offeror.

(6) Reasonable responses to relevant questions posed by the debriefed Offeror as to whether the agency followed source-selection procedures set forth in the solicitation, applicable regulations, and other applicable authorities.

(End of provision)

• 52.212-2 Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (Aug

2025)(DEVIATION)

(a) Evaluation factors. The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible, Offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors will be used to evaluate offers:

Specification Sheet for the quoted equipment: The FS will validate that the equipment meets the salient characteristics listed in the PWS.

Price: Include the following: I) the completed Schedule of Items from Section B of this solicitation, and 2) acknowledgement of any amendments to this solicitation by following the instructions that accompany the amendment(s).

Submit offer by email to andrea.pollock@usda.gov so that it is delivered into this inbox by the due date and time. Emails should contain 2 separate attachments (Evaluation Factors and Price Quote) in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF format. Be aware that large attachments may increase the time required to deliver an email. It is the offerors’ responsibility to confirm receipt of the offer from Andrea Pollock.

Address questions about this solicitation to Andrea Pollock at andrea.pollock@usda.gov no later than December 30, 2025 at 4:30 PM PT.

mailto:andrea.pollock@usda.gov

(b) Options (if applicable). The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. The evaluation of options does not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(c) Notice of award. A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer furnished to the successful Offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of provision)

FAR Provisions Incorporated by Reference:

• 52.204-7 System for Award Management (AUG 2025) (DEVIATION)

• 52.209-2, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations-

Representation (SEP 2025)(DEVIATION)

FAR Provisions Incorporated by Full Text:

• 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):

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR): https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far (FAR Provisions are located in FAR Part 52 at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52)

Department of Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR):

https://www.acquisition.gov/agar (AGAR Provisions are located in AGAR Part 452 at https://www.acquisition.gov/agar/part-452-solicitation-provisions-and-contract-clauses)

Deviations to provisions may be viewed at:

https://www.dm.usda.gov/procurement/policy/FARClassDeviations.htm

(End of Provision)

• 52.252-5 Authorized Deviations in Provisions (NOV 2020)

(a) The use in this solicitation of any Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Chapter 1) https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52 https://www.acquisition.gov/agar https://www.acquisition.gov/agar/part-452-solicitation-provisions-and-contract-clauses provision with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of "(DEVIATION)" after the date of the provision.

(b) The use in this solicitation of any Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Chapter

4) provision with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of "(DEVIATION)" after the name of the regulation.

(End of Provision)

(v) The following FAR contract clauses apply to this acquisition:

• 52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (NOV 2023)

• 52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or

Statements (JAN 2017)

• 52.204-9 Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel (JAN 2011)

• 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (AUG 2025)(DEVIATION)

• 52.204-19 Incorporation by Reference of Representations and Certifications (DEC

2014)

• 52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (SEP

2025)(DEVIATION)

• 52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a

Felony Conviction under any Federal Law (SEP 2025)(DEVIATION)

• 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial

Services. (AUG 2025)(DEVIATION)

• 52.219-28 Postaward Small Business Program Rerepresentation. (OCT

2025)(DEVIATION)

• 52.222-3 Convict Labor (OCT 2025)(DEVIATION)

• 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)

• 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (OCT 2025) (DEVIATION)

• 52.222-55 Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (OCT

2025)(DEVIATION)

• 52.222-62 Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2022)

• 52.226-8 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (MAY

2024)

• 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (MAR

2023)

• 52.233-3 Protest After Award (SEP 2025)(DEVIATION)

• 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (SEP 2025)(DEVIATION)

• 52.237-2 Protection of Government Buildings, Equipment, and Vegetation (APR 1984)

• AGAR 452.204-70 Modification for Contract Closeout (JUN 2024)(DEVIATION)

FAR Clauses Incorporated by Full Text:

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.233-3#FAR_52_233_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.233-4#FAR_52_233_4

• 52.216-1 Type of Contract (OCT 2025)(DEVIATION) The Government contemplates award of a stand alone contract with a Firm Fixed Price contract resulting from this solicitation.

(End of clause)

• 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 9 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days of contract expiration.

(End of clause)

• 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR):

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far (FAR Clauses are located in FAR Part 52 at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52)

Department of Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR):

https://www.acquisition.gov/agar (AGAR Clauses are located in AGAR Part 452 at https://www.acquisition.gov/agar/part-452-solicitation-provisions-and-contract-clauses)

Deviations to clauses may be viewed at:

(End of Clause)

• 52.252-6 Authorized Deviations in Clauses (NOV 2020)

(a) The use in this solicitation or contract of any Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Chapter 1) clause with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of "(DEVIATION)" after the date of the clause.

(b) The use in this solicitation or contract of any Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Chapter 4) clause with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of "(DEVIATION)" after the name of the regulation.

(End of Clause)

NOTICE FOR FILING AGENCY PROTESTS

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Ombudsman Program https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52 https://www.acquisition.gov/agar https://www.acquisition.gov/agar/part-452-solicitation-provisions-and-contract-clauses https://www.acquisition.gov/agar/part-452-solicitation-provisions-and-contract-clauses

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

(vi) The date, time, and place for receipt of questions, for receipt of offer, and point of contact.

Date Time Method of Submission 30 December 2025 4:30 PM (PST) Questions in regard to the solicitation shall be submitted electronically to the Government Point of Contract below.

06 January 2026 4:30 PM (PST) Offers shall be submitted electronically via email to the Government Points of Contact below.

Government Points of Contact:

Title POC Contracting Officer Andrea Pollock (andrea.pollock@usda.gov)

Attachments List: The following attachments are made as part of this solicitation and any resultant contract. The schedule of items will be used only as a reference document. The contract line items will be the primary ordering means.

Attachment Number

Description Page Count

1 Performance Work Statement 8 2 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan 4

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Performance Work Statement

Contents Project Title General Information

1.0 General

2.0 Definitions

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

4.0 Deliverable / Schedule

5.0 Government Furnished

6.0 Travel

7.0 Data Rights

8.0 Section 508 - Electronic and Information Technology Standards

9.0 Performance Requirement Measures

Attachment .............................................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

Project Title 2026 R10 National Forest Audiogram Testing

General Information

1.0 General

This is a non-personal services contract to provide the USFS Region 10 with audiogram hearing test devices. The government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. The Government will not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn, is responsible to the Government.

1.1 Background: Region 10 encompasses the Tongass and the Chugach National Forests in Alaska. The USFS Tongass National Forest (TNF) comprises 17 million acres spanning Southeast Alaska and employs approximately 450 employees across 10 ranger districts. The Craig Ranger District (CRD) is in the city of Craig, Alaska. The Chugach National Forest (CNF) spans approximately 7 million acres spread across three ranger districts. Both the Tongass and Chugach employ sawyers and equipment operators who require annual OSHA approved hearing tests.

1.1.1 There are no road systems connecting most of the communities within Southeast Alaska. Thorne Bay and Craig, on Prince of Wales Island, are connected by road however the island is not. All communities are accessible by commercial airflight, state operated ferry and commercial barging services.

1.2 Purpose: The objective of this contract is to procure “Portable Audiometric Testing Devices” for use throughout the Tongass National Forest in an employee Hearing Conservation Program (HCP). The HCP shall be led and managed by two Safety and Occupational Health Managers (SOHM), one from the TNF and one from the CNF who will manage the HCP and conduct audiometric testing.

The contractor shall ensure provision of annual audiometric examination services for use in a region-wide HCP.

The contractor shall assist in the efficient management of the HCP, provide analyses of employee test results, and implement a HIPPA-compliant repository or database for the collecting and storing of all test data. The data repository will allow Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) professionals and other designated individuals to evaluate most recent audiograms against baseline audiograms to determine whether a Standard Threshold Shift (STS) occurred. All STS retests must be confirmed within 30-day period as required by OSHA’s Noise Exposure Standard in coordination with the district’s supervisor who is assigned the area of responsibility that employee works. This method of data-tracking and record-keeping will facilitate the need for any follow-up audiograms and/or retesting. This repository will remain the property of the US Forest Service upon completion of the contract.

1.3 Contract Type: The Government will award a Requirements Contract with up to a one-year ordering period. The quantities of services specified in the Schedule of Items are estimates only and are not purchased by this contract. Performance shall be made only as authorized by Task Orders issued in accordance with the Ordering clause. Subject to any limitations in the Order Limitations clause or elsewhere in this contract, the Contractor shall furnish to the Government all supplies or services specified in the Schedule and called for by orders issued in accordance with the Ordering clause.

1.4 Period of Performance: The period of performance for this contract shall begin on January 30, 2026.

1.4.1 Base Item 1 shall be January 30, 2026 through December 31, 2026.

1.4.2 Optional Item 1 shall be January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027.

1.4.3 Optional Item 2 shall be January 1, 2028 through December 31, 2028.

1.4.4 Optional Item 3 shall be January 1, 2029 through December 31, 2029.

1.4.5 Optional Item 4 shall be January 1, 2030 through December 31, 2030.

1.5 Place of Performance: This contract does not call for any on-site work by the contractor.

For the Tongass National Forest, three Audiogram devices are to be delivered to either of the following addresses:

PO Box 500, Craig, Alaska, 99921

For the Chugach National Forest two audiogram devices will be provided. One will be delivered to:

161 E. 1st Ave (Door #8). Anchorage, Alaska 99501

The other will be delivered to:

c/o: Kristin Much, P.O. Box 280, 612 Second Street Cordova, AK 99574

1.6 Government Regular Working Hours: The Government’s regular working hours are Monday through Friday from 08:00-16:30 except federal observed holidays.

1.7 Federal Observed Holidays:

New Year’s Day Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday President’s Day

Memorial Day Independence Day Juneteenth Labor Day

Columbus Day Veteran’s Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day

1.7.1 When one of the above designated legal holidays falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be observed as a legal holiday. When a legal holiday falls on a Saturday, the proceeding Friday will be observed as a legal holiday. If a holiday falls on a scheduled Contractor workday, the following or proceeding workday will be used to schedule the work to be accomplished.

1.8 Service Interruptions: If any services must be interrupted (even temporarily) due to maintenance of contract work, the Contractor shall notify the CO, and COR at least three working days in advance. If the service is due to an emergency the Contractor shall notify the CO and COR as soon as practicable

1.9 Quality Assurance: The Contractor shall comply with the quality assurance program as defined in the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum Acceptable Quality Level(s) (AQL). Government surveillance of Contractor performance is not limited to the Performance Objectives as outlined in this PWS. The Government reserves the right to conduct compliance surveillance of any contractual requirement of this acquisition

1.10 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 (FAR) Subpart 42.5. The CO and/or COR shall meet periodically with the Contractor to review the Contractor's performance. At these meetings the CO 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.

1.11 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): A COR may be assigned to this contract to monitor all technical aspects and assist in contract administration. The COR may be authorized to perform the following functions:

ensure that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract; perform inspections necessary in connection with contract performance; maintain written and oral communication with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract; issue written interpretations of technical requirements (without increasing or decreasing contract scope), including Government drawings, designs, and specifications; monitor Contractor's performance and notify both the CO and Contractor of deficiencies; and provide site entry of Contractor personnel. The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the contract.

1.12 Contractor’s Key Personnel: The following personnel are considered key personnel by the Government:

Contract Manager and Quality Control Representative.

1.13 Contract Manager: The Contractor shall provide a Contract Manager and designated alternate, as applicable, who has full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to this contract. The Contract Manager or alternate shall be available during the Government's regular working hours and shall be available on site within one hour after the Government's regular working hours.

1.14 Quality Control Representative: The Quality Control Representative shall implement and maintain full compliance with the Quality Control Plan throughout the contract period.

1.15 Special Qualifications: The Contractor shall ensure that all applicable materials, equipment, and services provided in fulfilling this contract are compliant with OSHA 1910.95(g)

1.16 Security Requirements: Contractor personnel or any representative of the Contractor entering the Government facilities shall abide by all security regulations. At the close of each work period, Government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured.

2.0 Definitions

2.1 Contractor: A supplier or vendor awarded a contract to provide specific supplies or service to the government.

The term used in this contract refers to the prime.

2.2 Contracting Officer (CO): a person with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings. The term includes certain authorized representatives of the contracting officer acting within the limits of their authority as delegated by the contracting officer. "Administrative contracting officer (ACO)" refers to a contracting officer who is administering contracts. "Termination contracting officer (TCO)" refers to a contracting officer who is settling terminated contracts. A single contracting officer may be responsible for duties in any or all of these areas. Reference in this regulation (48 CFR chapter 1) to administrative contracting officer or termination contracting officer does not-

• Require that a duty be performed at a particular office or activity; or

• Restrict in any way a contracting officer in the performance of any duty properly assigned.

2.3 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): means an individual, designated and authorized in writing by the contracting officer to perform specific technical or administrative functions.

2.4 Defective Service: A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with the Performance Work Statement.

2.5 Deliverable: Anything that can be physically delivered but may include non-manufactured things such as meeting minutes or reports.

2.6 Non-Personal Services: The personnel rendering the services are not subject, either by the contract’s terms or by the manner of its administration, to the supervision and control usually prevailing in relationships between the government and its employees. Non personal service contracts are authorized by the government in accordance with FAR 37.012, under general contracting authority, and do not require specific statutory authorization.

2.7 Quality Assurance: The government procedures to verify that services being performed by the Contractor are performed according to acceptable standards.

2.8 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan: An organized document written by the government specifying the surveillance methodology used for surveillance of contractor performance.

Contractor Requirements

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO ALL TASKS:

Schedule: Provide a schedule to the COR confirming the date, place, and time for services.

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

3.1 TASK 1: Training and Audiogram Hearing Test

3.1.1 Audiometric Test Kits

3.1.2 Audiometric test kits must be capable of the following/conform to the following standards:

1. Individual testing of right and left ears via air-conduction, pure-tone, hearing threshold measures at no less than 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 6000 hertz (Hz); the 8,000 Hz threshold will be tested whenever the etiology of a hearing loss may be in question.

2. Testing must be conducted with audiometers which meet the specifications of and are maintained per the American National Standard Specifications for Audiometers, ANSI S3.1.

3. Audiograms devices and tests obtained must comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95, Occupational Noise Exposure, Appendix C: Audiometric Measuring Instruments

3.1.3 Kits shall include any accompanying/accessory equipment or software necessary to perform the audiogram tests

3.1.1 Provide the following services:

1. The contractor shall provide phase-in training to Safey Specialists to ensure personnel are knowledgeable of equipment operation, audiology testing process, keeping as well as the secure transfer of data in accordance with federal laws, regulations and requirements.

2. Provide means by which to keep electronic records of all audiogram tables or charts for all employees tested.

3. Provide the capability to administer 500 audiogram tests total for a given calendar year (100 tests per audiogram kit).

4.0 Deliverable / Schedule

Key Deliverables

Item No. Deliverable Objective Due 1 Schedule To ensure the contractor provides a schedule with expected delivery date and when TNF staff can expect initial setup guidance and training

30 days prior to service start date

2 Contract Manager Designate a contract manager and point of contact for related inquiries

At Pre-work meeting

3 Audiogram Kit Delivery

To ensure that audiogram test kits are delivered to the CRD office in a timely manner following the contract award date 3 Kits delivered to TNF. 2 Kits delivered to CNF.

30 days after contract award date

5.0 Government Furnished

5.1 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

5.1.1 Government Furnished Data – The government shall provide the employee health history and information required to perform the hearing tests. This data will be kept confidential and will be accessed only as needed for audiogram tests by the person administering the tests.

5.2 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

5.2.1 The Contractor shall supply ALL supplies, equipment (ex. headphones, microphones, tablets, software etc.), labor, and supervision not furnished by the Government that are necessary to satisfactorily meet or exceed the performance standards of this contract.

6.0 Travel

6.1 No travel is required for the contractor to perform duties relating to this contract. All work is to be performed virtually.

7.0 Data Rights

If data is to be produced, furnished, acquired, or used in meeting contract requirements, delineate the respective rights and obligations of the government and the contractor regarding the use, production, and disclosure of that data.

7.1 If performance of this contract has been determined to involve the design, development, or operation of a system of records on individuals, the contractor shall comply with the Privacy Act of 1974, and complete all USDA Privacy Impact Assessment requirements as requested by the contracting officer representative.

7.2 The contractor shall comply with applicable federal laws that include, but are not limited to, USDA cybersecurity policies, and USDA's Policy Framework Instructions I Standards documents, based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) "Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity," the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) of 2014, (44 U.S.C. 101); National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-53, Security and Privacy Controls for Federal Information Systems and Organizations; Office of Management and Budget (0MB) Circular A-130, Managing Information as a Strategic Resource; and other applicable federal laws, regulations, NIST guidance, and Departmental policies

8.0 Section 508 - Electronic and Information Technology Standards

8.1 In accordance with the Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS) 199, Standards for Security Categorization of Federal Information and Information Systems, the Contractor shall: “Comply with the Privacy Act requirements, the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) and the OMB Memorandum M-17-12, Preparing for and Responding to a Breach of Personally Identifiable Information

9.0 Performance Requirement Measures

Performance

Objective Table of Technical

Tasks Performance Standard Method of

Surveillance Corrective Action

The Contractor shall provide

HEARING

TESTS

TASK 1 95% of requirement satisfied and/or no more than two valid customer complaints per month

Random Sampling, Periodic Surveillance and/or Validated Customer Complaint

Rework within 24 hours Full invoice payment upon acceptance

9.1 Customer complaints will be substantiated by the COR for validity. Should the COR determine that the complaint is valid, the COR will inform the Contractor orally and in writing and give the Contractor additional time to correct the defect, if additional time is available. The COR will determine how much time is available.

9.2 Should the Contractor disagree with the complaint after investigation of the site, the Contractor shall notify the COR. The COR will review the matter to re-examine the validity of the complaint.

9.3 The Government will visually inspect the services for compliance prior to acceptance and issuing any payments.

Inspections will consist of direct observations.

9.4 Any Government personnel or visiting public may observe unacceptable services, incomplete work, or required services not performed and they may contact the COR to communicate a complaint.

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN

1. PURPOSE. This Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) is a Government developed document used to ensure that the Government receives quality services, and pays only for services actually provided. The QASP provides a systematic method to evaluate the services the Contractor is required to furnish.

2. SCOPE. The role of Government Quality Assurance is to ensure contract standards are achieved. The QASP provides guidelines and methods for the Government’s oversight of the Contractor’s quality control efforts to assure timely, effective services are provided IAW the contract. The Contractor, and not the Government, is responsible for management and quality control actions to meet the terms of the contract.

3. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

a. Contracting Officer (CO): A person duly appointed with the authority to enter into, administer and terminate contracts on behalf of the Government. The CO is the only person who can legally obligate the Government. The CO, as the Government’s agent, is the only individual that can modify the contract. The CO is the final authority for determining the adequacy of the Contractor’s performance. The CO decisions arising under or relating to the contact are final.

b. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): An individual designated in writing by the CO to perform specific technical and administrative functions within the scope and limitations of their written appointment (e.g., surveillance of Contractor’s performance, accept services). The COR is not empowered to make any contractual commitments or authorize any changes to the contract or in any way obligate additional funds by the Government; such authority rests solely with the CO.

c. Quality Assurance Evaluator (QAE): An individual designated by the requiring activity, typically the Section or Branch Chief, to assist the COR and provide technical oversight of the Contractor’s performance. The QAE’s primary duty is to monitor the Contractor’s performance by physically checking to see that tasks are completed, reports are submitted, and required quality and standard of practice are achieved. When a surveillance observation results in an unacceptable evaluation, the QAE will report the unacceptable performance to the COR. The QAE is not authorized to direct work, direct performance, change the contract, or in any way obligate payment of funds by the Government.

4. METHODS OF SURVEILLANCE. Surveillance is performed by the Government to provide objective quality evidence that there is a reasonable level of confidence that the services provided by the Contractor have met all the requirements of the contract before authorizing payment. Work done under this contract includes the delivery of audiogram kits to the Craig Ranger District office on Prince of Wales Island and the initial setup assistance and functionality of hearing tests via a tele-technician as needed. The primary methods of quality assurance and surveillance shall be via customer feedback as outlined below.

a. Periodic Assessment of Services: For services that occur over a number of months, the COR will evaluate Contractor performance on a quarterly basis or at agreed upon project milestones and upon completion of services. Generally, the Government will rely on the Contractor’s Quality Control system to ensure that services conform to contract quality requirements before they are tendered to the Government for acceptance.

a. Customer Feedback: Customer feedback is typically obtained via telephone or email.

Telephonic customer complaints must be followed up in writing/email. To be considered valid, the customer complaint must clearly articulate the nature of the complaint, time, date, etc. The COR will investigate the complaint, if determined valid, the COR will advise the CO and the Contractor of the deficiency. Copies of valid complaints and the resolution must be retained in the official contract file.

5. SURVEILLANCE PROCEDURES.

a. The COR/QAE will monitor performance in accordance with the schedule and will ensure all services required by the contract are successfully performed to an acceptable level of quality. All field or office inspections will be documented and include as a minimum date and time, who performed the inspection, what was inspected, to what standard and the results. Successful or exceptional performance will be documented as well as deficiencies in Contractor performance. Documentation will be maintained for future reference, audit, and proof of inspection. Any uncorrected or unacceptable observation will result in an unacceptable rating, a corrective action request to the Contractor and notification to the CO.

b. The COR will notify the Contractor each time an unacceptable observation has been recorded and ask the Contractor to correct the problem. The COR/QAE will record the contract requirement, the specific deficiency to the requirement; the date and time it was discovered, and have the Contractor acknowledge the notification. The Contractor will be required to correct the deficiency in accordance with requirements of the contract.

Critical deficiencies that will prevent adequate performance of the contract that are not corrected within the project schedule will be reported to the Contracting Officer.

c. The COR will report to the CO more serious (systemic in nature) deficiencies or recurring deficiencies in the same area that could indicate a trend. The CO will notify the Contractor and request corrective action. The CO may require the Contractor to reperform any services that do not meet contract requirements at no additional cost to the Government. The Contractor will return a copy of the completed and signed CDR to the CO for inclusion in the contract/order file.

d. The COR/QAE will re-inspect items that were found deficient to ensure corrections were made within the timeframe outlined in the contract or other agreed upon time. The COR/QAE will not consider the services complete until all deficiencies have been corrected. Contractor’s failure to complete corrective actions will be reported immediately to the CO for further action.

d. Upon satisfactory completion of work, the COR/QAE will accept the services provided and authorize payment, by approving the Contractors invoice.

6. SURVEILLANCE STANDARD. The performance Standard set forth in the Performance Work Statement, whichever is applicable to the contract, is the standard the Contractor must meet for the services to be deemed acceptable. Generally, under commercial service contracts, the Government is relying on the Contractor’s assurances that the services conform to contract requirements. Consistent with FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions, (a) Inspection and Acceptance, the Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those services that conform to the requirements of the contract/task order. The government may require re-performance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. The Government reserves the right to refuse acceptance of nonconforming services. In no case shall the Government’s right to inspect services under the inspection provision of the contract be prejudiced.

7. QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE DOCUMENTATION.

a. The following shall be documented in the official contract record:

i. Copy of the COR appointment letter from the CO, any changes to that letter, and any termination letters

ii. Training Certifications for COR

iii. Copy of the applicable Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

b. The following shall be maintained electronically by the COR

i. Copy of the contract and all contract modifications

ii. Copy of each task order scope of work

iii. Copy of the contractor’s Work, Safety, and Sampling Plans

iv. Correspondence initiated by authorized representatives (Contractor or Government) concerning performance of the contract

v. Records of onsite inspections, trip reports, or other surveillance performed and the results

vi. Memoranda for record of minutes of any meeting, telephone conversations and discussions with the contractor or others pertaining to the contract or contract performance

c. Engineering product reviews will be maintained by the COR in a project document folder

d. Alternate forms of review, such as memorandum or email

e. Performance of each task order shall be documented at each progress payment and CPARS evaluation completed

8. RECORDS: All records will be retained for the life of this contract.

9. CHANGES: The QASP is a living document and, as such, may be changed as needed. The COR will coordinate changes with the CO.

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