1240LU26Q0023 Attachment 1 Solicitation Benchmark Solar Water System HLCNF.pdf

GAOA Benchmark Solar Water System Update

1240LU26Q0023

Description

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial construction prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Part 12. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

Solicitation number 1240LU26Q0023 is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for the Benchmark Solar Water System Update on the Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest.

This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns. The North American Classification System (NAICS) 238210. The small business size standard is $19 Million. This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-aside. All responsible sources may submit a quotation which will be considered by the agency.

Attachment 1 - Solicitation Terms and Conditions

Rocky Mountain Ranger District

Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest Lewis & Clark County, MT

STATEMENT OF REQUIREMENT

This project is for the remodeling of an existing system. The new system will be NEC 2020 code-compliant, with the exception of interior height requirements for the building housing the new electrical equipment.

The Benchmark Campground has an existing, aging solar/batteries/inverter system that needs to be updated. The current system consists of ten ground-mounted Kyocera 50-watt solar modules, a Morningstar PhotoStar-30 solar charge controller, a Trace DR series modified sine wave inverter and ten Deka brand 12-volt 8G8D gel batteries. The inverter provides 120-volt AC power to a submersible well pump and the batteries also provide 12-volt DC power to the main building (cabin) and shower house on site.

Project includes:

A) Installation of new pole-mounted solar array and array support on the taller of the 4” galvanized steel poles

B) Removal of inverter and solar controller electrical components from pumphouse C) Expansion of the existing concrete pad for the power shed D) Installation of new inverter and batteries in owner-supplied fiberglass power shed E) Trenching and installation of wire and conduit to buildings F) Standard AC wiring of existing buildings, reusing as much conduit and infrastructure as possible G) Installation of a location to connect a generator to the system if supplemental power is needed.

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

Line Item

Item Description

Method of Measurement

Quantity

Unit of

Issue Unit Price

Extended Price

0001 General - Mobilization LS 1 LS $ $

0002 System Installation LS 1 LS $ $

Grand Total: $

SCHEDULE NOTES

a) Unit of Issue: LS – Lump Sum

b) Contractors must submit pricing for all items. Round to the nearest cent.

CONTRACTOR INFORMATION

The following Contractor Information must be completed and included with the price quote:

Company Name: Company Representative Name & Title:

Email: Phone Number:

UEI Number: SAM Registration Expiration Date:

Full Company Address, including State & Zip Code:

Company Website (if any):

Signature of Company Representative: Date of Quotation Submission:

Definitization of Equitable Adjustments for Change Orders - Pursuant to FAR 36.101-4(b), information regarding USDA’s definitization of equitable adjustments for change orders under construction contracts may be found at Contracting with USDA | USDA. USDA's procedures that apply to the definitization of equitable adjustments for change orders under construction contracts may be found in AGAR 443.304-70.

TECHNICAL DATA

1) Attachments:

See separate attached documents. The following attachments are a part of this solicitation and any resulting contract.

Attachment No

Description Page(s)

2 Statement of Work 8 3 Specifications 17 4 Plans/Drawings 3

5 DBA WD MT20260040 Lewis & Clark CO dated 01/02/2026

2) Project Location:

Rocky Mountain Ranger District, Lewis and Clark County, MT Benchmark Cabin Approximate address:

Benchmark Road (USFS Road 235) Augusta, MT Lat: 47.4968 Long: -112.8877

3) Start Work:

It is estimated that work will begin on June 1, 2026.

4) Commencement, Prosecution, Completion of Work:

The Contractor shall be required to (a) commence work under this contract within 10 calendar days after the date the Contractor receives the notice to proceed, (b) prosecute the work diligently, and (c) complete the entire work ready for use not later than September 30, 2026. The time stated for completion shall include final cleanup of the premises.

5) Technical Specifications:

The CSI Specifications are included in a supplemental document package listed in (1) Attachments. All line items on Schedule of Items will further be detailed in the “Description of Work” section in all respective specifications. Some listed specifications include reference specifications and are subsidiary to or are included in payment for other pay items in this contract. Necessary reference specifications are indicated under each listed specification.

These items are considered incidental, and no additional compensation will be made.

NOTE: All specifications contained in Attachments are binding on the parties signing the contract.

6) Packing and Marking:

All shipments of materials, equipment and/or supplies shall be addressed to the Contractor and not to the Government.

7) Project Labeling for Official Correspondence:

The Government singularly identifies each project with a contract number at time of award.

The contract number is a unique identifier to purposely and permanently represent an awarded project. The Government issued contract number is to be referenced on all official communication starting upon notice of award.

8) Invoicing:

The "Submit Invoice-to" address for USDA orders is the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). All invoices shall be submitted via the electronic Invoice Processing Platform. This platform is managed by the U.S. Department of Treasury and additional information is available at this website: https://www.ipp.gov/index.htm.

Upon award of a contract, Contractors will be enrolled automatically. Contractor will subsequently receive electronic notification from IPP of enrollment. IPP password will be delivered electronically to allow first login to IPP. Contractors shall submit all invoices electronically via IPP. Paper copies of invoices will no longer be accepted.

9) Pre-Final and Final Inspection:

a. Pre-final Inspection: The Government may, at its own discretion, conduct a pre-final inspection prior to the contractor requesting a final inspection. Any discrepancies noted shall be corrected prior to final inspection.

b. Final Inspection: When the work is ready for final inspection, the Contractor shall submit a written request for the final inspection to the duly assigned Contracting Officer’s Representative at least seven (7) days prior to the desired final inspection date. The final inspection will be performed with the Contractor by the appropriate Government personnel.

If any discrepancies are noted, they shall be handled in accordance with 52.246-12.

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and United States Department of Aquiculture 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.

FAR 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.

(End of clause)

52.212-4 Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025)

This is a commercial construction acquisition. FAR 52.212-4 is amended as follows:

(b) Inspection/Acceptance. Inspection and Acceptance will be conducted in accordance with FAR 52.246-12, Inspection of Construction (Aug 1996).

(d) Changes. Changes will be handled in accordance with the following FAR clause(s):

☐ FAR 52.243-4, Changes (Jun 2025) ☒ FAR 52.243-5, Changes and Changed Conditions (Jun 2025)

52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023) 52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements

(Jan 2017) 52.204-19 Incorporation by Reference of Representations and Certifications (Dec 2014) 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2025) 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) 52.253-1 Computer Generated Forms (Nov 2025)

The following clauses are applicable if checked:

☒ 52.204-13 System for Award Management—Maintenance (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Sep 2025) ☒ 52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Aside (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-3 Convict Labor (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-36 Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-62 Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.223-2 Reporting of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts (Nov

2025) ☒ 52.223-3 Hazardous Material Identification and Safety Data (Nov 2025)- Alternate I (Nov

2025) ☒ 52.223-5 Pollution Prevention and Right-to-Know Information (May 2024) ☒ 52.223-23 Sustainable Products (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.229-12 Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer— System for Award Management (Oct 2018) ☒ 52.233-1 Disputes (Sep 2025) Alt I (Sep 2025) ☒ 52.240-93 Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.242-13 Bankruptcy (Jul 1995)

The Contractor shall comply with the following FAR Clauses for Commercial Construction:

52.222-6 Construction Wage Rate Requirements (Nov 2025) 52.222-7 Withholding of Funds (Nov 2025) 52.222-8 Payrolls and Basic Records (Nov 2025) 52.222-9 Apprentices and Trainees (Nov 2025) 52.222-10 Compliance with Copeland Act Requirements (Nov 2025) 52.222-11 Subcontracts (Labor Standards) (Nov 2025) 52.222-12 Contract Termination-Debarment (Nov 2025) 52.222-13 Compliance with Construction Wage Rate Requirements and Related Regulations

(May 2014) 52.222-14 Disputes Concerning Labor Standards (Nov 2025) 52.222-15 Certificate of Eligibility (Nov 2025) 52.232-27 Prompt Payment for Construction Contracts (Jan 2017) 52.236-5 Material and Workmanship (Jul 2025) 52.246-21 Warranty of Construction (Mar 1994)

Alternate I (Apr 1984)

The following clauses are applicable when checked:

☒ 52.222-55 Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.228-2 Additional Bond Security (Oct 1997) ☒ 52.228-5 Insurance-Work on Government Installation (Jan 1997) ☒ 52.228-14 Irrevocable Letter of Credit (Nov 2014) ☒ 52.236-2 Differing Site Conditions (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-3 Site Investigation and Conditions Affecting the Work (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-6 Superintendent by the Contractor (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-7 Permits and Responsibilities (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-8 Other Contracts (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-9 Protection of Existing Vegetation, Structures, Equipment, Utilities, and

Improvements (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.336-10 Operations and Storage Areas (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-11 Use and Possession Prior to Completion (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-12 Cleaning Up (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-13 Accident Prevention (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-14 Availability and Use of Utility Services (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-15 Schedules for Construction Contracts (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-17 Layout of Work (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-21 Specifications and Drawings for Construction (Jul 2025) ☒ Alternate I (Apr 1984) of 52.236-21 ☒ 52.242-14 Suspension of Work (Apr 1984) ☒ 52.246-12 Inspection of Construction (Aug 1996)

Full Text FAR Clauses

FAR 52.225-9 Buy American Act-Construction Materials (Nov 2025)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause— Commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) item—

(1) Means any item of supply (including construction material) that is–

(i) A commercial product (as defined in paragraph (1) of the definition of “commercial product” at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 2.101);

(ii) Sold in substantial quantities in the commercial marketplace; and

(iii) Offered to the Government, under a contract or subcontract at any tier, without modification, in the same form in which it is sold in the commercial marketplace; and

(2) Does not include bulk cargo, as defined in 46 U.S.C. 40102(4), such as agricultural products and petroleum products.

"Construction material" means an article, material, or supply brought to the construction site by the Contractor or a subcontractor for incorporation into the building or work. The term also includes an item brought to the site preassembled from articles, materials, or supplies. However, emergency life safety systems, such as emergency lighting, fire alarm, and audio evacuation systems, that are discrete systems incorporated into a public building or work and that are produced as complete systems, are evaluated as a single and distinct construction material regardless of when or how the individual parts or components of those systems are delivered to the construction site. Materials purchased directly by the Government are supplies, not construction material.

Cost of components means—

(1) For components purchased by the Contractor, the acquisition cost, including transportation costs to the place of incorporation into the construction material (whether or not such costs are paid to a domestic firm), and any applicable duty (whether or not a duty-free entry certificate is issued); or

(2) For components manufactured by the Contractor, all costs associated with the manufacture of the component, including transportation costs as described in paragraph (1) of this definition, plus allocable overhead costs, but excluding profit. Cost of components does not include any costs associated with the manufacture of the construction material.

Critical component means a component that is mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States and deemed critical to the U.S. supply chain. The list of critical components is at FAR 25.105.

Critical item means a domestic construction material or domestic end product that is deemed critical to U.S. supply chain resiliency. The list of critical items is at FAR 25.105.

Domestic construction material means—

(1) For construction material that does not consist wholly or predominantly of iron or steel or a combination of both-

(i) An unmanufactured construction material mined or produced in the United States; or

(ii) A construction material manufactured in the United States, if–

(A) The cost of its components mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States exceeds 60 percent of the cost of all its components, except that the percentage will be 65 percent for items delivered in calendar years 2024 through 2028 and 75 percent for items delivered starting in calendar year 2029. Components of foreign origin of the same class or kind for which nonavailability determinations have been made are treated as domestic.

Components of unknown origin are treated as foreign; or

(B) The construction material is a COTS item; or

(2) For construction material that consists wholly or predominantly of iron or steel or a combination of both, a construction material manufactured in the United States if the cost of foreign iron and steel constitutes less than 5 percent of the cost of all components used in such construction material. The cost of foreign iron and steel includes but is not limited to the cost of foreign iron or steel mill products (such as bar, billet, slab, wire, plate, or sheet), castings, or forgings utilized in the manufacture of the construction material and a good faith estimate of the cost of all foreign iron or steel components excluding COTS fasteners. Iron or steel components of unknown origin are treated as foreign. If the construction material contains multiple components, the cost of all the materials used in such construction material is calculated in accordance with the definition of "cost of components".

Fastener means a hardware device that mechanically joins or affixes two or more objects together.

Examples of fasteners are nuts, bolts, pins, rivets, nails, clips, and screws.

Foreign construction material means a construction material other than a domestic construction material.

Foreign iron and steel means iron or steel products not produced in the United States. Produced in the United States means that all manufacturing processes of the iron or steel must take place in the United States, from the initial melting stage through the application of coatings, except metallurgical processes involving refinement of steel additives. The origin of the elements of the iron or steel is not relevant to the determination of whether it is domestic or foreign.

Predominantly of iron or steel or a combination of both means that the cost of the iron and steel content exceeds 50 percent of the total cost of all its components. The cost of iron and steel is the cost of the iron or steel mill products (such as bar, billet, slab, wire, plate, or sheet), castings, or forgings utilized in the manufacture of the product and a good faith estimate of the cost of iron or steel components excluding COTS fasteners.

Steel means an alloy that includes at least 50 percent iron, between 0.02 and 2 percent carbon, and may include other elements.

"United States" means the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and outlying areas.

(b) Domestic preference. (1) This clause implements 41 U.S.C. chapter 83, Buy American, by providing a preference for domestic construction material. In accordance with 41 U.S.C. 1907, the domestic content test of the Buy American statute is waived for construction material that is a COTS item, except that for construction material that consists wholly or predominantly of iron or steel or a combination of both, the domestic content test is applied only to the iron and steel content of the construction materials, excluding COTS fasteners. The Contractor shall use only domestic construction material in performing this contract, except as provided in paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this clause.

(2) This requirement does not apply to information technology that is a commercial product or to the construction materials or components listed by the Government as follows: None.

(3) The Contracting Officer may add other foreign construction material to the list in paragraph (b)(2) of this clause if the Government determines that-

(i) The cost of domestic construction material would be unreasonable.

(A) For domestic construction material that is not a critical item or does not contain critical components.

(1) The cost of a particular domestic construction material subject to the requirements of the Buy American statute is unreasonable when the cost of such material exceeds the cost of foreign material by more than 20 percent;

(2) For construction material that is not a COTS item and does not consist wholly or predominantly of iron or steel or a combination of both, if the cost of a particular domestic construction material is determined to be unreasonable or there is no domestic offer received, and the low offer is for foreign construction material that is manufactured in the United States and does not exceed 55 percent domestic content, the Contracting Officer will treat the lowest offer of foreign construction material that exceeds 55 percent domestic content as a domestic offer and determine whether the cost of that offer is unreasonable by applying the evaluation factor listed in paragraph (b)(3)(i)(A)(1) of this clause.

(3) The procedures in paragraph (b)(3)(i)(A)(2) of this clause will no longer apply as of January 1, 2030.

(B) For domestic construction material that is a critical item or contains critical components.(1) The cost of a particular domestic construction material that is a critical item or contains critical components, subject to the requirements of the Buy American statute, is unreasonable when the cost of such material exceeds the cost of foreign material by more than 20 percent plus the additional preference factor identified for the critical item or construction material containing critical components listed at FAR 25.105.

(2) For construction material that does not consist wholly or predominantly of iron or steel or a combination of both, if the cost of a particular domestic construction material is determined to be unreasonable or there is no domestic offer received, and the low offer is for foreign construction material that does not exceed 55 percent domestic content, the Contracting Officer will treat the lowest foreign offer of construction material that is manufactured in the United States and exceeds 55 percent domestic content as a domestic offer, and determine whether the cost of that offer is unreasonable by applying the evaluation factor listed in paragraph (b)(3)(i)(B)(1) of this clause.

(3) The procedures in paragraph (b)(3)(i)(B)(2) of this clause will no longer apply as of January 1, 2030.

(ii) The application of the restriction of the Buy American statute to a particular construction material would be impracticable or inconsistent with the public interest; or

(iii) The construction material is not mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities of a satisfactory quality.

(c) Request for determination of inapplicability of the Buy American statute. (1)(i) Any Contractor request to use foreign construction material in accordance with paragraph (b)(3) of this clause shall include adequate information for Government evaluation of the request, including-

(A) A description of the foreign and domestic construction materials;

(B) Unit of measure;

(C) Quantity;

(D) Price;

(E) Time of delivery or availability;

(F) Location of the construction project;

(G) Name and address of the proposed supplier; and

(H) A detailed justification of the reason for use of foreign construction materials cited in accordance with paragraph (b)(3) of this clause.

(ii) A request based on unreasonable cost shall include a reasonable survey of the market and a completed price comparison table in the format in paragraph (d) of this clause.

(iii) The price of construction material shall include all delivery costs to the construction site and any applicable duty (whether or not a duty-free certificate may be issued).

(iv) Any Contractor request for a determination submitted after contract award shall explain why the Contractor could not reasonably foresee the need for such determination and could not have requested the determination before contract award. If the Contractor does not submit a satisfactory explanation, the Contracting Officer need not make a determination.

(2) If the Government determines after contract award that an exception to the Buy American statute applies and the Contracting Officer and the Contractor negotiate adequate consideration, the Contracting Officer will modify the contract to allow use of the foreign construction material. However, when the basis for the exception is the unreasonable price of a domestic construction material, adequate consideration is not less than the differential established in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this clause.

(3) Unless the Government determines that an exception to the Buy American statute applies, use of foreign construction material is noncompliant with the Buy American statute or Balance of Payments Program.

(d) Data. To permit evaluation of requests under paragraph (c) of this clause based on unreasonable cost, the Contractor shall include the following information and any applicable supporting data based on the survey of suppliers:

Foreign and Domestic Construction Materials Price Comparison

Construction material description

Unit of measure

Quantity Price (dollars)*

Item 1:

Foreign construction material.

Domestic construction

Item 2:

Foreign construction

Domestic construction

[* Include all delivery costs to the construction site and any applicable duty (whether or not a duty-free entry certificate is issued)].

[List name, address, telephone number, and contact for suppliers surveyed. Attach copy of response; if oral, attach summary.]

[Include other applicable supporting information.]

(End of clause)

FAR 52.228-13 Alternative Payment Protections (Jul 2000) (Only Applies if Quote is $35K and above)

(a) The Contractor shall submit one of the following payment protections:

(1) Payment Bond

(2) Irrevocable Letter of Credit (ILC)

(3) Money orders, drafts, cashier’s checks, or certified checks. If furnished as security, money orders, drafts, cashier's checks, or certified checks shall be drawn payable to: USDA Forest Service.

(b) The amount of the payment protection shall be 100 percent of the contract price.

(c) The submission of the payment protection is required within 10 Calendar days of contract award.

(d) The payment protection shall provide protection for the full contract performance period plus a one-year period.

(e) Except for escrow agreements and payment bonds, which provide their own protection procedures, the Contracting Officer is authorized to access funds under the payment protection when it has been alleged in writing by a supplier of labor or material that a nonpayment has occurred, and to withhold such funds pending resolution by administrative or judicial proceedings or mutual agreement of the parties.

(f) When a tripartite escrow agreement is used, the Contractor shall utilize only suppliers of labor and material that signed the escrow agreement.

FAR 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 4) clause with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of “(DEVIATION)” after the name of the regulation.

(End of clause)

Full Text AGAR Clauses

AGAR 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 closeout 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)

AGAR 452.222-71 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)

AGAR 452.232-71 Progress Payments for Commercial Construction Contracts (Dec 2025)

(a) Contractor entitlement to progress payments. The Contractor may request progress payments monthly as the work proceeds, or at more frequent intervals as determined by the Contracting Officer, on estimates of work accomplished that meets the standards of quality established under the contract, as approved by the Contracting Officer.

(b) Computation of amounts. Progress payments will be authorized when the payment requested is properly due in accordance with this contract; the work will be performed in accordance with the contract; and there has been no impairment or diminution of the Government’s security under this contract. The Contracting Officer may authorize consideration of:

(1) Materials delivered on site and preparatory work;

(2) Materials delivered to the Contractor at locations other than the site, if:

i. Specifically authorized by the contract; and

ii. The Contractor provides satisfactory evidence of title and intended use in the contract.

(c) Contractor request for progress payments. The Contractor’s request for progress payments shall include the following:

(1) An itemization of the amounts requested, related to the various elements of work required by the contract;

(2) A listing of the amount included for work performed by each subcontractor;

(3) A listing of the total amount of each subcontract;

(4) A listing of the amounts previously paid to each subcontractor; and

(5) Additional supporting data in a form and detail required by the Contracting Officer.

(d) Contractor Certification. Each request for progress payment shall be accompanied by the following certification:

I hereby certify, to the best of my knowledge and belief, that—

(1) The amounts requested are only for performance in accordance with the specifications, terms, and conditions of the contract;

(2) All payments due to subcontractors and suppliers from previous payments received under the contract have been made, and timely payments will be made from the proceeds of the payment covered by this certification, in accordance with subcontract agreements and the requirements of Chapter 39 of Title 31, United States Code;

(3) This request for progress payments does not include any amounts which the prime contractor intends to withhold or retain from a subcontractor or supplier in accordance with the terms and conditions of the subcontract; and

(4) This certification is not to be construed as final acceptance of a subcontractor’s performance.

________________________________________________(name) ________________________________________________(title) ________________________________________________(date)

(e) Access for verification of payment entitlement. To verify the Contractor’s entitlement to progress payments under this contract, the Contractor shall provide the Government, upon request and during normal business hours, access to the following:

(1) Records and Documentation:

(i) Certified progress payment requests and supporting documentation;

(ii) Subcontractor and supplier invoices, payment records, and lien waivers;

(iii)Updated schedule of values and progress schedules;

(iv) Quality assurance and inspection reports;

(v) Payroll records, if applicable under labor provisions.

(2) Facilities and Worksite Access:

(i) Physical access to the construction site for inspection of work progress;

(ii) Access to off-site storage locations for materials billed but not yet incorporated into the work; or (iii)Access to any fabrication facilities where contract-related work is being performed.

(3) Access to electronic invoicing or project management systems used to track progress and payments, if such systems are used in contract performance.

(f) Dates for payment. A progress payment under this clause is a contract progress payment under the Prompt Payment clause of this contract, and except as provided in paragraph (g) of this clause, approved requests shall be paid within 30 days of submittal of a proper request for payment.

(g) Liquidation of progress payments. Progress payments shall be liquidated by deducting from the payment of each item the total unliquidated amount of progress payments made for that separately priced unit of that line item. The liquidation amounts for each line item shall be clearly delineated in each request for progress payment submitted by the Contractor.

(h) Security for progress payments. In the event the Contractor fails to provide adequate security as required in this contract, no progress payment shall be made under this contract. Upon receipt of adequate security, progress payments shall be made, including all previous payments to which the Contractor is entitled, in accordance with the terms of the contract. If at any time the Contracting Officer determines that the security provided by the Contractor is insufficient, the Contractor shall promptly provide such additional security as the Contracting Officer determines necessary. In the event the Contractor fails to provide such additional security, the Contracting Officer may collect or liquidate such security that has been provided, and suspend further payments to the Contractor; the Contractor shall repay to the Government the amount of unliquidated progress payments as the Contracting Officer at his sole discretion deems repayable.

(i) Special terms regarding termination for cause. If this contract is terminated for cause, the Contractor shall, on demand, repay to the Government the amount of unliquidated progress payments. The Government shall be liable for no payment except as provided by the Termination for Cause paragraph of the clause at Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

(j) Reservation of rights.

(1) No payment, vesting of title under this clause, or other action taken by the Government under this clause shall-

(i) Excuse the Contractor from performance of obligations under this contract; or

(ii) Constitute a waiver of any of the rights or remedies of the parties under the contract.

(2) The Government’s rights and remedies under this clause-

(i) Shall not be exclusive, but rather shall be in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law or this contract; and

(ii) Shall not be affected by delayed, partial, or omitted exercise of any right, remedy, power, or privilege, nor shall such exercise or any single exercise preclude or impair any further exercise under this clause or the exercise of any other right, power, or privilege of the Government.

(k) Refund of unearned amounts. If the Contractor, after making a certified request for progress payments, discovers that a portion or all of such request constitutes a payment for performance by the Contractor that fails to conform to the specifications, terms, and conditions of this contract (hereinafter referred to as the "unearned amount"), the Contractor shall-

(1) Notify the Contracting Officer of such performance deficiency; and

(2) Be obligated to pay the Government an amount (computed by the Contracting Officer in the manner provided in paragraph (j) of this clause) equal to interest on the unearned amount from the 8th day after the date of receipt of the unearned amount until-

(i) The date the Contractor notifies the Contracting Officer that the performance deficiency has been corrected; or

(ii) The date the Contractor reduces the amount of any subsequent certified request for progress payments by an amount equal to the unearned amount.

(l) Retainage. If the Contracting Officer finds that satisfactory progress was achieved during any period for which a progress payment is to be made, the Contracting Officer shall authorize payment to be made in full. However, if satisfactory progress has not been made, the Contracting Officer may retain a maximum of 10 percent of the amount of the payment until satisfactory progress is achieved. When the work is substantially complete, the Contracting Officer may retain from previously withheld funds and future progress payments that amount the Contracting Officer considers adequate for protection of the Government and shall release to the Contractor all the remaining withheld funds. Also, on completion and acceptance of each separate building, public work, or other division of the contract, for which the price is stated separately in the contract, payment shall be made for the completed work without retention of a percentage.

(m) Title, liability, and reservation of rights. All material and work covered by progress payments made shall, at the time of payment, become the sole property of the Government, but this shall not be construed as-

(1) Relieving the Contractor from the sole responsibility for all material and work upon which payments have been made or the restoration of any damaged work; or

(2) Waiving the right of the Government to require the fulfillment of all the terms of the contract.

(3) The Government’s rights and remedies under this clause-

(i) Shall not be exclusive, but rather shall be in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law or this contract; and

(ii) Shall not be affected by delayed, partial, or omitted exercise of any right, remedy, power, or privilege, nor shall such exercise or any single exercise preclude or impair any further exercise under this clause or the exercise of any other right, power, or privilege of the Government.

(n) Reimbursement for bond premiums. In making these progress payments, the Government shall, upon request, reimburse the Contractor for the amount of premiums paid for performance and payment bonds (including coinsurance and reinsurance agreements, when applicable) after the Contractor has furnished evidence of full payment to the surety. The retainage provisions in paragraph (l) of this clause shall not apply to that portion of progress payments attributable to bond premiums.

(o) Final payment. The Government shall pay the amount due the Contractor under this contract after-

(1) Completion and acceptance of all work;

(2) Presentation of a properly executed voucher; and

(3) Presentation of release of all claims against the Government arising by virtue of this contract, other than claims, in stated amounts, that the Contractor has specifically excepted from the operation of the release. A release may also be required of the assignee if the Contractor’s claim to amounts payable under this contract has been assigned under the Assignment of Claims Act of1940 ( 31 U.S.C.3727 and 41 U.S.C. 6305).

(p) Limitation because of undefinitized work. Notwithstanding any provision of this contract, progress payments shall not exceed 80 percent on work accomplished on undefinitized contract actions. A "contract action" is any action resulting in a contract, as defined in FAR subpart 2.1, including contract modifications for additional supplies or services, but not including contract modifications that are within the scope and under the terms of the contract, such as contract modifications issued pursuant to the Changes clause, or funding and other administrative changes.

Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements

Pursuant to FAR clause FAR 52.228-5, Insurance-Work on a Government Installation paragraph (a), The Contractor shall, at its own expense, provide and maintain during the entire performance of this contract, at least the kinds and minimum amounts of insurance required, as stated below:

(1) Workers Compensation and Employer's Liability. The Contractor must comply with applicable Federal and State workman's compensation and occupational disease statutes. If these diseases are not covered, they must be included under the employer's liability section of the policy, unless contract operations are commingled with the Contractor's commercial operations.

Employer's liability coverage of at least $100,000 is required, except in States with exclusive or monopolistic funds that prohibit private carriers from providing workers’ compensation.

(2) General Liability. The Contractor must have bodily injury liability insurance coverage written on a comprehensive form of policy of at least $500,000 per occurrence.

(3) Automobile Liability. The Contractor must have automobile liability insurance covering bodily injury and property damage for all vehicles used in the contract. For U.S. operations, the coverage must be at least $200,000 per person, $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, and $20,000 per occurrence for property damage or loss.

(4) Aircraft Public and Passenger Liability. When using aircraft for the contract, the Contractor must have aircraft public and passenger liability insurance. Coverage must be at least $200,000 per person, $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, excluding passengers. For passenger injury, coverage must be at least $200,000 multiplied by the number of seats or passengers, whichever is greater.

Solicitation Information

Award Type

This solicitation and any resulting contract is a firm-fixed price type of contract.

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 Contractor representing the best value to the Government.

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 below. 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. Initial proposals which do not include responses to any one of the technical factors will not be considered further.

Once the government determines the quotation/proposal that is most advantageous to the government based on its evaluation of initial responses, the government may communicate with only that best suited quoter to address any remaining issues consistent with the terms of the solicitation.

These issues may include technical and/or price. If the parties cannot successfully negotiate any remaining issues, as determined relevant by the government, the government reserves the right to communicate with the next best suited quoter based on the original analysis consistent with the terms of the solicitation.

Technical Proposal:

(1) Factor 1. Technical Approach to Performing the Work:

When evaluating the Technical Approach to Performing the Work, the government will assess the reasonableness of the Contractor’s proposed approach to performing the work including the use of biobased products in project implementation.

(2) Factor 2. Experience:

The Government will assess the specialized experience and skill of the firm with a focus on experience that is relevant to the specified project.

(3) Factor 3: Past Performance:

Past performance is a measure of the degree to which the Contractor (including major subcontractors) has satisfied previous customers and complied with Federal, State and Local laws and regulations. The Government may contact references to assess the quality of the contractor’s work, timely completion, project management, and compliance with regulatory requirements. The Government will consider the currency and relevance of the information, source of the information, context of the data and general trends in contractor performance.

The Government reserves the right to consider all aspects of a company’s performance history but will attribute more significance to recent work comparable in scope to this solicitation.

The past performance evaluation will characterize the level of the Government’s confidence that the company will successfully complete the work, in compliance with all contract requirements, based on its record of successful performance on recent and relevant similar projects. In addition to past performance information submitted by the company, the Government may use personal knowledge or information obtained from other sources, such as CPARS, Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), or any other sources available to the Government, in its evaluation of a company’s past performance.

Where there is little or no information available regarding the company’s past performance history because the company is new to the marketplace, the past performance evaluation may take into account information regarding predecessor companies, key personnel who have relevant experience, or subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the work. Note: The assessment of past performance is separate from the responsibility determination required under FAR Subpart 9.1.

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.

Price Quote: The proposed price will be evaluated for reasonableness in accordance with FAR

12.204. This criterion will include consideration of cost information provided in the Schedule of Items (Attachment 2). It is the Government's intent to assess the price/cost breakdown to determine:

(1) Reasonableness (Adequate price competition and comparison to the IGE will establish a fair and reasonable price), and (2) Price Consistency (Unit prices will be evaluated to determine if costs/prices are balanced and consistent with Government cost…