Professional Conduct Zero Tolerance for Harassment.pdf
PDF 79 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- 12443926Q0013
- Issued by
-
Department of Agriculture Forest Service
About this file
This document is a procurement policy guidance file for USDA Forest Service contract acquisitions. It establishes two primary policy frameworks governing the contracting process: a zero-tolerance professional conduct standard and the acquisition approach under FAR Part 12.
The professional conduct policy requires all offerors and contractors to maintain professional, respectful communications with contracting personnel. The policy explicitly prohibits repeated accusatory, hostile, or harassing language toward contracting personnel and warns that such behavior will be documented and referred for review under USDA policy and the Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) system. Continued harassment may result in removal from vendor lists and exclusion from future contract opportunities, consistent with applicable law, FAR regulations, and Departmental policy. The policy emphasizes that all communications must remain professional and focused solely on procurement-related issues. The acquisition approach confirms that this procurement will be conducted under FAR Part 12 for Commercial Products and Commercial Services, as supplemented by USDA policy and AGAR guidance. The document references key regulatory frameworks including the AGAR system maintenance authorities, the Senior Procurement Executive's authority to issue Department-wide guidance, and the USDA Contracting Desk Book. The FAR and AGAR apply to all USDA acquisitions of supplies, services, and construction that obligate appropriated funds unless otherwise specified or excepted by law.
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Professional Conduct – Zero Tolerance for Harassment
USDA Forest Service expects all offerors and contractors to maintain professional, respectful communications with contracting personnel. Repeated accusatory, hostile, or harassing language toward contracting personnel is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Such behavior will be documented and referred for review under applicable USDA policy and the Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) system of internal guidance and oversight. See AGAR system/maintenance authorities, including the Senior Procurement Executive’s (SPE) authority to issue Department-wide guidance consistent with FAR 1.301 and AGAR 401.103, and the USDA Contracting Desk Book availability on the USDA procurement website. Continued harassment can result in removal from vendor lists and exclusion from future opportunities, consistent with applicable law, the FAR, and Departmental policy. All communications must remain professional and focused on procurement-related issues.
Acquisition Approach – FAR Part 12 (Commercial Products and Commercial Services)
This acquisition will be conducted under FAR part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services, as supplemented by USDA policy and the AGAR. USDA follows the policies and procedures set forth in the FAR as supplemented by the AGAR for all acquisitions that obligate appropriated funds, unless otherwise specified or excepted by law.
USDA AGAR/Policy References
• AGAR system and maintenance: The SPE may issue and publish Department-wide regulations and internal guidance that, together with the FAR, constitute USDA-wide policies, procedures, solicitation provisions, and contract clauses governing the contracting process (AGAR 401.103; FAR 1.301). Mission Area senior contracting officials may issue internal guidance that aligns with the AGAR and the USDA Contracting Desk Book.
• USDA Contracting Desk Book: Issued and maintained by the SPE to communicate Department-wide policy and procedural guidance; available electronically on the USDA procurement website.
• Applicability: The FAR and AGAR apply to all USDA acquisitions of supplies and services (including construction) which obligate appropriated funds, unless otherwise specified or excepted by law.
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