Sol_1305M326Q0354.pdf

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ADDENDA

ADDENDA

1305M326Q0354

NOAA/IRC/NMFS/PIFSC

1845 WASP BLVD, BUILDING 176

HONOLULU HI 96818

WAD-SAP

7600 Sand Point Way NE

SEATTLE WA 98115

WAD-SAP

7600 Sand Point Way NE

SEATTLE WA 98115

09/04/2026 1200 PD

RACHEL STONE

WAD-SAP-S 100.00

WAD-SAP-S

RACHEL STONE

541380

$19

08/21/2026

NAAJA005

THE DESIGNATED GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL RESPONSIBLE

FOR ACCEPTANCE AND APPROVING INVOICES SHALL BE:

Stephanie Fisher

Stephanie.Fisher@noaa.gov

Continued...

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COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL

ACCEPTED,

Delivery: 09/20/2027

Period of Performance: 09/30/2026 to

09/29/2027

0001 Environmental DNA (eDNA) Sample Processing and

Sequencing Services in accordance with the

Statement of Work (SOW).

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

Product/Service Code: B524

1305M326Q0354 BASE

Section 1 - Combined Synopsis Solicitation Combined Synopsis Solicitation

Section II - Supplies or Services and Price/Costs Section III - Description/Specifications Section VIII - Special Contract Requirements Section IX - Contract Clauses Section X - List of Attachments Section XI - Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Bidders

Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Bidders Section XII - Instructions, Conditions, and Notices Section XIII - Basis of Award

Section 1 - Combined Synopsis Solicitation

Combined Synopsis Solicitation

Combined Synopsis Solicitation

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services prepared in accordance with Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Overhaul (RFO) Part 12. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation. Offers are being requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

Solicitation number 1305M326Q0354 is issued as a Request For Quotation (RFQ) for the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center for the Environmental DNA (eDNA) Sample Processing and Sequencing Services.

(i) This acquisition is 100% set-aside for small business concerns. This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference. The full text of provisions and clauses may be accessed electronically at www.acquisition.gov.

(ii) A list of line-item number(s) and items, quantities, and units of measure are provided in the Continuation Sheet of this solicitation.

(iii) The description of requirements for the items to be acquired are as follows:

The description of requirements is found in the Statement of Work (SOW) in the Section VIII - Special Contract Requirements .

(iv) Date and place of delivery and acceptance are as follows:

(1) Delivery date: Completed By September 20, 2027

(2) Place of delivery and acceptance:

1845 WASP BLVD, BLDG 176

HONOLULU HI 96818-5007

(v) A list of solicitation provisions that apply to the acquisition are provided in Section XII - Instructions, Conditions, and Notices of this solicitation.

(vi) A list of contract clauses that apply to the acquisition are provided in Section IX - Contract Clauses of this solicitation.

(vii) The date, time, and place for receipt of quote and point of contact are as follows:

(1) Receipt of quote due: See Block 8.

(2) Place of receipt: Submitted by email to Contracting Officer (CO), Rachel Stone at rachel.stone@noaa.gov.

(3) Point of contact: CO as noted above.

(viii) Other additional information pertaining to this acquisition is as follows:

(1) Codes for these required services are:

– Product service code (PSC) is B524 - SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS- MATHEMATICAL/STATISTICAL.

– NAICS code is 541380 - Testing Laboratories and Services with a business size standard of $19 million

(2) The Statement of Work (SOW) is provided in Section VIII - Special Contract Requirements of this solicitation.

(3) Procedures for awarding the contract are provided in Section XII - Instructions, Conditions, and Notices of this solicitation, under Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (SEP 2023) (Deviation JAN 2026) and in Section XIII - Basis of Award, under RFO FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (NOV 2021) (Deviation JAN 2026).

Section II - Supplies or Services and Price/Costs

CLIN List

Item Number Description Quantity Unit Unit Price Amount

Environmental DNA (eDNA) Sample Processing and Sequencing Services in accordance with the Statement of Work

(SOW).

Award Type: Firm-fixed-price Product/Service Code: B524

Section III - Description/Specifications

Inquiries

Offerors must submit all questions concerning this solicitation in writing to Rachel Stone at rachel.stone@noaa.gov. Questions should be received no later than August 28, 2026 at 12:00 pm Pacific Time. Any responses to questions will be made in writing, without identification of the questioner, and will be included in an amendment to the solicitation. Even if provided in another form, only the question responses included in the amendment to the solicitation will govern performance of the contract.

Section VIII - Special Contract Requirements

Statement of Work (SOW)

Project Title: Environmental DNA Sample Processing and Sequencing Services for Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center.

Background/Overview:

Environmental DNA (eDNA) refers to genetic material recovered from environmental substrates such as seawater. eDNA is shed by organisms through normal metabolic processes - including from skin, mucus, feces, gametes, and decomposing tissue - and persists in the environment for hours to weeks. By collecting and analyzing eDNA, scientists can detect and characterize biological communities without observing or capturing the organisms themselves. Metabarcoding, in which short genetic regions are amplified using taxon-specific primers and sequenced in high throughput, allows the simultaneous detection of many species from a single environmental sample.

The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC), collects eDNA samples from marine waters across the U.S. Pacific Islands Region to support fishery stock assessments, protected-species monitoring, biodiversity assessment, invasive-species detection, and coral reef ecosystem monitoring. eDNA-based monitoring is a cost-effective technology available to PIFSC for surveying species distribution and abundance across the U.S. Pacific Islands, and complements existing fishery-independent and -dependent survey methods.

PIFSC does not possess the dedicated clean-room infrastructure, Illumina sequencing platform, or specialized molecular biology workforce required to process and sequence high-throughput eDNA samples in-house. A commercial laboratory is therefore required to perform the molecular biology benchwork, sequencing, and bioinformatics steps needed to convert large volumes of PIFSC-collected eDNA samples into species-detection data.

Objectives:

The Contractor shall receive frozen eDNA water-filter samples shipped from PIFSC; perform DNA extraction, quantification, replicated metabarcoding PCR amplification using a defined and flexible suite of metabarcoding markers, sequencing library preparation, high-throughput Illumina sequencing, and post-sequencing bioinformatics (demultiplexing) for each submitted sample; deliver demultiplexed FastQ files passing Illumina quality assessment together with methods documentation sufficient for inclusion in peer-reviewed publications; maintain rigorous contamination controls and quality-assurance / quality-control (QA/QC) processes throughout the workflow; and archive unused DNA extract and library material for a defined retention period and make it available for return shipment to PIFSC upon request. PIFSC will perform all downstream taxonomic assignment, ecological analysis, and publication of biological results using the Contractor-delivered sequence data.

Scope of Work:

PIFSC will collect water samples from marine waters across the U.S. Pacific Islands Region, filter them onto membrane filters, preserve and freeze the filters shortly after collection, and ship them to the Contractor's facility on dry ice via overnight courier. The Contractor shall perform all laboratory and bioinformatic processing required to convert these field-collected filters into demultiplexed sequence data suitable for downstream taxonomic analysis by PIFSC scientists.

During the Period of Performance, the contractor shall process a base requirement of 100 samples. Each sample will be processed at two (2) to six (6) metabarcoding assays, with an anticipated average of approximately four (4) assays per sample. Actual sample volume and assay counts may vary based on field-collection schedules and program priorities; the Contractor shall be prepared to accommodate variability within the contract ceiling. Downstream taxonomic assignment, ecological analysis, and publication of biological results are outside the scope of this contract.

Tasks:

The Contractor may use any commercially available or in-house protocols, reagents, and equipment that meet the performance and acceptance criteria specified below, except where a specific method is explicitly required (e.g., Illumina sequencing platform). All work shall be conducted according to the Contractor's standard operating procedures, peer-reviewed published methods, and the contamination-control standards specified under Applicable Standards.

Task 1: Sample Receipt and Chain of Custody

• Acknowledge receipt of each sample shipment to the PIFSC technical point of contact within two

(2) business days of arrival.

• Document sample condition upon receipt, including any thawing, damage, mislabeling, or other anomalies. Notify PIFSC of any sample-condition issues.

• Store samples under appropriate frozen conditions (-20 °C or colder) until extraction.

Task 2: DNA Extraction

• Extract genomic DNA from each submitted water filter using a validated protocol suitable for environmental sample types.

• Include at least one (1) extraction negative control (blank filter or no-template) per extraction batch (96 samples). The Contractor shall be capable of accommodating varying filters sizes (including but not limited to 47 mm, 90 mm, and 142 mm disc filters), filter materials (mixed cellulose ester, polyethersulfone (PES), and polycarbonate); and pore sizes from 0.2 µm through 5.0 µm, using extraction protocols appropriate to each format. For filter formats requiring specialized lysis (e.g., bead-beating in 5–50 mL tubes, cryo-grinding, or quartering large filters prior to extraction), the Contractor shall propose its planned approach as part of the Project Plan deliverable and consult with the PIFSC technical point of contact.

Task 3: DNA Quantification

• Quantify DNA in each extract using a fluorometric or equivalent method appropriate for the expected concentration range of environmental samples.

• Report extract concentrations with each batch's deliverable package.

Task 4: Metabarcoding PCR Amplification

• PIFSC requires a flexible suite of metabarcoding markers. The specific assays applied to each sample will be specified by PIFSC at the time of sample shipment. The Contractor shall be capable of performing, at a minimum, the markers most commonly used by PIFSC, which include but are not limited to:

• 12S MiFish (MiFish-U-F / MiFish-U-R; Miya et al. 2015): universal fish marker.

• COI Leray (mlCOIintF / jgHCO2198; Leray et al. 2013): broad-spectrum metazoan marker.

• MarVer1 (marine vertebrate 12S marker; Valsecchi et al. 2020): marine vertebrate marker complementary to MiFish.

• PIFSC also uses additional validated markers covering targets including but not limited to: fish (16S, Riaz_12S), eukaryote plankton/protists (18S V1-3, 18S V9), algae (23S), corals (ITS2), decapod crustaceans (MiDeca), and cephalopods (16S-Cephalopoda, Ceph18S). The Contractor shall be capable of incorporating additional or alternate markers from peer-reviewed published primer sets at PIFSC's direction during the period of performance, with mutually agreed lead time for assay validation.

• Each sample × assay combination shall be amplified using a minimum of three (3) PCR replicates per sample per assay. PCR replicates can be pooled prior to library preparation (or sequenced separately and merged in bioinformatics, at the Contractor's discretion) and documented in the methods description.

• Include at least one (1) PCR negative control (no-template) per PCR batch.

Task 5: Sequencing Library Preparation

• Prepare sequencing libraries using a method appropriate for the chosen sequencing platform (e.g., fusion-tagging, two-step indexing).

• All libraries for a given project (i.e., sample batch) shall be prepared using consistent methods and kits, and sequenced on the same platform, unless an alternative is negotiated with and approved in writing by the PIFSC technical point of contact.

• Quantify and normalize libraries prior to pooling.

Task 6: High-Throughput Sequencing

• Sequence libraries on an Illumina platform (MiSeq, NextSeq, NovaSeq, or equivalent). Other sequencing platforms (e.g., Oxford Nanopore, PacBio) could be acceptable following prior approval from the PIFSC technical point of contact.

• Target read depth: a target of 100,000 sequencing reads per sample per marker.

• Run sequencing positive and negative controls as part of routine instrument QC.

Task 7: Post-Sequencing Bioinformatics

• Demultiplex raw sequencing reads by sample and by assay using the Contractor's standard bioinformatics pipeline.

• Apply standard Illumina quality filtering before delivering demultiplexed FastQ files.

• Samples can be run by Contractors standard bioinformatic pipeline including quality filtering, noise/chimera removal, ASV/ESV clustering, and taxonomic assignment.

Task 8: Data Delivery

• Deliver demultiplexed, quality-filtered FastQ files for each sample × assay combination.

• Use a consistent file naming convention (recommended format:

[PIFSC_Sample_ID]_[Assay]_[R1|R2].fastq.gz).

• Provide a metadata file (CSV) for each batch listing sample IDs, assay identifiers, read counts (raw and post-filter), and file names.

• The Contractor shall deliver demultiplexed FastQ files (and, where Extended bioinformatics is performed, ASV/taxonomy results) for all negative and positive controls processed in each batch, not solely for PIFSC provided field control samples.

• Deliver data via secure file transfer (SFTP, cloud bucket [e.g., AWS S3, Google Cloud Storage], or comparable mechanism). The Contractor shall propose the delivery mechanism in its proposal; the mechanism shall not require PIFSC personnel to obtain Contractor system accounts beyond what is necessary to retrieve data. Data in transit must meet FIPS 140-3 encryption.

Task 9: Methods Documentation

• Provide a written methods description for each project, sufficient in detail for inclusion in peer-reviewed publications presenting the sequencing results.

• Documentation shall include at minimum: sequencing instrument model and kit identifier; library preparation chemistry and kit identifier; primer sequences and PCR conditions for each assay (or citation if previously published); the number of PCR replicates per sample per assay; the pooling strategy for PCR replicates; demultiplexing pipeline name, version, and parameters; and the number of samples sequenced per lane / flow cell.

Task 10: Sample and Library Archival

• Retain unused DNA extract and library material at appropriate storage conditions for a minimum of 12 months after contract end, or until depleted, whichever comes first.

• Return retained material to PIFSC on dry ice via overnight courier upon written request from PIFSC, at no additional charge during the retention period.

• Filter material may be fully consumed during DNA extraction; in such cases, the Contractor shall document this in the deliverable methods description.

Place of Performance:

All laboratory work shall be performed at the Contractor's facility. The Contractor's facility shall be a commercial molecular biology laboratory with dedicated, purpose-built clean rooms physically separated by workflow stage - DNA extraction, PCR setup, and post-PCR / library preparation - to minimize the risk of cross-contamination during processing of environmental samples; direct access (in-house or contracted) to an Illumina sequencing platform suitable for metabarcoding (e.g., MiSeq, NextSeq, NovaSeq); equipment for fluorometric DNA quantification and library quantification and quality assessment; and temperature-controlled storage for frozen environmental samples.

Security Requirements:

There are no security requirements with this contract. This contract does not require Contractor access to NOAA Information Technology (IT) systems, NOAA facilities, classified information, or controlled unclassified information beyond the eDNA samples and associated metadata provided by PIFSC. No AI will be used in the processing/assays of this Federal data.

Applicable Standards:

All work performed under this contract shall meet generally accepted scientific and methodological standards for environmental DNA metabarcoding, including but not limited to those described in the following peer-reviewed publications and reference frameworks:

• Goldberg, C.S., et al. (2016). Critical considerations for the application of environmental DNA methods to detect aquatic species. Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 7(11), 1299–1307.

• Bessey, C., et al. (2020). Maximizing fish detection with eDNA metabarcoding. Environmental DNA, 2(4), 493–504.

All laboratory benchwork shall be conducted in accordance with the Contractor's documented standard operating procedures (SOPs), which shall include defined contamination-control measures, equipment calibration and maintenance schedules, and personnel training records. The Contractor shall make SOPs available for review by PIFSC or the Contracting Officer upon written request.

Special Requirements:

• Personnel: The Contractor shall provide personnel with documented experience in environmental DNA extraction, metabarcoding library preparation, and high-throughput sequencing on Illumina platforms.

• Throughput: The Contractor shall demonstrate the capacity to sustain a processing throughput of at least 100 samples per quarter (averaged over the period of performance), inclusive of all workflow stages from extraction through data delivery.

• Consistency: All samples within a given batch shall be processed using the same kits, protocols, and sequencing platform unless variation is explicitly approved by the PIFSC technical point of contact.

• Quality Control: Negative controls shall be included at each major workflow stage (extraction, PCR, sequencing) at a rate of not less than one negative control per 96 samples.

• PCR Replication: A minimum of three (3) PCR replicates shall be performed per sample per assay (see Task 4).

• Read Depth: A target of 100,000 sequencing reads per sample per marker shall be achieved (see Task 6).

• Filter flexibility: must be flexible to receive and extract filters of varying size (47mm, 90mm, 142mm), material (Mixed cellulose ester, polyethylsulfone, polycarbonate), and pore size (0.2um - 5.0um).

Due Date Deliverable Activities Amount of Payment

Within two (2) business days of each shipment receipt

Sample receipt acknowledgement for each shipment received from PIFSC.

No standalone payment;

required for batch acceptance.

Within 90 days of sample receipt (unless otherwise delayed)

(1) Taxonomic Assignment Tables generated via Contractors Bioinformatic Pipeline. (2) Sequencing Data Package for each batch: (a) demultiplexed, quality-filtered FastQ files (gzip-compressed) for each sample × assay; (b) metadata file (CSV) listing sample IDs, assay identifiers, raw and post-filter read counts, file names (d) methods description sufficient for peer-reviewed publication.

Invoiced per sample × assay processed at the proposed unit prices (per-sample base rate + per-additional-assay surcharge). Payment upon PIFSC acceptance per Acceptance Criteria.

Within 30 days of contract end (09/30/2027)

Final Project Summary - consolidated summary of all samples processed, total reads delivered, any unresolved QC issues, including contamination.

Final invoice contingent on acceptance.

Deliverables Schedule - Acceptance Criteria:

Study deliverables will be the provision of taxonomic assignment tables and demultiplexed sequencing files, provided to PIFSC at the conclusion of sequencing and bioinformatic processing. PIFSC will review each Sequencing Data Package within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt and either accept the deliverable or notify the Contractor of any deficiencies. Acceptance is contingent on the deliverable meeting the following criteria:

1. Sequence Quality

• Read depth: shall meet the target of 100,000 sequencing reads per sample (summed across all assays processed for that sample). Samples falling below this threshold shall be flagged in the methods description with a documented explanation.

• Data format: FastQ files shall be gzip-compressed, demultiplexed by sample and assay, and named according to the agreed convention. Paired-end reads shall be delivered as separate R1 and R2 files.

2. Contamination Control

• Negative controls must be included at each workflow stage (extraction, PCR, sequencing).

Contamination events that materially affect sample interpretation shall be disclosed in the methods description and discussed with PIFSC prior to final batch acceptance. Negative controls should be included in sequencing products (demultiplexed reads and taxonomic assignment tables) so that they can be documented in quality control procedures.

3. Methods Documentation

• Methods description shall identify the sequencing instrument model, kit version, library preparation chemistry, PCR conditions, number of PCR replicates per sample per assay, replicate pooling strategy, and number of samples sequenced per lane or flow cell with sufficient specificity to support reproduction by a peer scientist.

4. Delivery Timeliness

• Average turnaround across all batches delivered during the period of performance shall not exceed 90 calendar days from sample receipt to data delivery. No individual batch shall exceed 180 calendar days without prior written agreement with PIFSC.

Deliverables not meeting acceptance criteria shall be corrected by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government. Acceptance authority resides with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), to be designated at contract award.

Miscellaneous:

Reporting and Communication

• The Contractor shall notify PIFSC by phone call or email within five (5) business days of becoming aware of any issue likely to delay a batch deliverable beyond the 90-day target turnaround, or any technical issue requiring a method deviation from the approved Project Plan.

Data Rights and Publication

• The U.S. Government shall hold full rights to all sequence data, demultiplexed FastQ files, metadata, and methods documentation delivered under this contract, consistent with FAR Subpart 27.4 (Rights in Data and Copyrights) and FAR Clause 52.227-14 (Rights in Data - General).

• The Contractor may use anonymized aggregate methods, protocols, and pipeline descriptions (i.e., not tied to specific PIFSC sample data or biological findings) in Contractor publications, marketing materials, and external presentations without further approval. The Contractor shall not publish, present, or release any PIFSC sample data, biological findings, or sample metadata without prior written approval from PIFSC. Joint publications between Contractor and PIFSC personnel may be pursued by mutual written agreement.

Sample Logistics

• Outbound shipping (PIFSC - Contractor): PIFSC will ship frozen filters on dry ice via overnight courier. PIFSC will provide tracking information and an estimated delivery date to the Contractor in advance of each shipment.

• Contractor receiving address: The Contractor shall provide a designated receiving address, point of contact, and acceptable delivery windows in the Project Plan deliverable.

• Return shipping (Contractor - PIFSC): If the Contractor returns unused DNA extract or library material to PIFSC shipping shall be FOB Destination via overnight courier on dry ice, at no additional charge during the active retention period. PIFSC receiving address for returned materials: NMFS PIFSC Ecosystem Sciences Division, 1845 Wasp Blvd Bldg 176, Honolulu, HI 96818.

• Raw submitted samples (filters) may be fully used and destroyed by the DNA extraction procedure.

Unused DNA sample and excess final library material not consumed in generation of sequence data could be archived at Contractor’s facility (for up to 5 years) or returned to PIFSC via overnight shipment on dry ice by the termination of the Contract.

Section IX - Contract Clauses

Clauses Incorporated by Reference Clause Number Clause Title

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

52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements. (JAN 2017)

52.204-13 System for Award Management-Maintenance. (OCT 2018) (Deviation JAN 2026)

52.204-19 Incorporation by Reference of Representations and Certifications. (DEC 2014)

52.209-6

Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting With Contractors Debarred, Suspended, Proposed for Debarment, or Voluntarily Excluded. (JAN 2025) (Deviation JAN 2026)

52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting With Inverted Domestic Corporations. (NOV 2015) (Deviation JAN 2026)

52.212-4 Terms and Conditions-Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (NOV 2023) (Deviation JAN 2026)

52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside. (NOV 2020) (Deviation JAN 2026)

52.222-3 Convict Labor. (JUN 2003)

52.222-19 Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies.

(JAN 2025) (Deviation JAN 2026)

52.222-36 Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities. (JUN 2020) (Deviation JAN 2026)

52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons. (OCT 2025) (Deviation

JAN 2026)

52.223-23 Sustainable Products. (MAY 2024) ((DEVIATION Jan 2026))

52.225-1 Buy American-Supplies (OCT 2022) (Deviation JAN 2026)

52.226-8 Encouraging Contractor Policies To Ban Text Messaging While Driving. (MAY 2024)

52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer - System for Award Management. (OCT 2018)

52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors. (MAR 2023)

52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim. (OCT 2004) (Deviation JAN 2026)

52.240-91 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions. (Deviation JAN 2026)

52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (OCT 2025) (DEVIATION April 2026)

52.247-34 F.o.b. Destination. (JAN 1991) 1352.201-70 Contracting Officer's Authority. (MAR 2010) 1352.209-73 Compliance with the laws. (APR 2010) 1352.209-74 Organizational conflict of interest. (APR 2010)

Standard Language UTILIZATION OF FEDCONNECT FOR CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

The Department of Commerce will utilize the FedConnect® web portal in administering this award. The contractor must be registered in FedConnect® and have access to the FedConnect® website located at https://www.fedconnect.net/Fedconnect/. For assistance in registering or for other FedConnect® questions please call the FedConnect® Help Desk at (800) 899-6665 or email at support@fedconnect.net. There is no charge for registration in or use of FedConnect®.

RFO 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):

• Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul (RFO) Clauses:

http://www.acquisition.gov/faroverhaul

• Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clauses: http://www.acquisition.gov/far

• Commerce Acquisition Regulation (CAR) Clauses: http://www.acquisition.gov/car

(End of clause)

RFO 52.252-4 Alterations in Contract. (APR 1984)

Portions of this contract are altered as follows: [To be completed at time of award, if applicable.]

(End of clause)

RFO 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 [insert regulation name] (48 CFR 1452) clause with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of (DEVIATION) after the name of the regulation.

(End of clause)

CAR 1352.246-70 Place of acceptance. (APR 2010)

(a) The Contracting Officer or the duly authorized representative will accept supplies and services to be provided under this contract.

(b) The place of acceptance will be:

Pacific Island Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC)

1845 Wasp Boulevard Building 176 Honolulu HI 96818

(End of clause)

CAR 1352.270-70 Period of performance. (APR 2010)

(a) The base period of performance of this contract is from 09/30/2026 through 09/29/2027. If an option is exercised, the period of performance shall be extended through the end of that option period.

(b) The option periods that may be exercised are as follows:

No options are anticipated.

(c) The notice requirements for unilateral exercise of option periods are set out in FAR 52.217-9.

(End of clause)

NOAA Acquisition Manual 1330-52.203-71 NOTICE OF POST-GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT

RESTRICTIONS (OCT 2015)

By submission of an offer in response to a NOAA solicitation or acceptance of a contract, the contractor acknowledges the restriction on current NOAA employees regarding contact with offerors regarding prospective employment and the corresponding obligations for contractors who engage them. The contractor further acknowledges that it has provided notice to former NOAA employees who will provide service to NOAA under the contract of post-Government employment restrictions that apply to them. Such restrictions include, but are not limited to, those set forth in:

(a) 41 U.S.C. § 2103 regarding contacts between a Federal employee working on a procurement and an offeror about prospective employment;

(b) 18 U.S.C. § 207 regarding the restrictions on former Federal employees having contact with a Federal agency on behalf of another person or entity concerning a specific party matter with which the former employee was involved as a Federal employee or for which the former Federal employee had official responsibility;

(c) 18 U.S.C. § 207 regarding the restrictions on former senior employees and senior political employees from having contact with his former Federal agency on behalf of another person or entity concerning any official matter; and

(d) 41 U.S.C. § 2104 regarding the restrictions on a former Federal employee involved in an acquisition over $10,000,000 from accepting compensation from a contractor.

(End of solicitation and contract language)

NOAA Acquisition Manual 1330-52.208-70 SUBCONTRACTING WITH ABILITYONE NONPROFIT

ORGANIZATIONS (DECEMBER 2022)

NOAA recognizes and appreciates the value and talent that people with disabilities bring to our workplaces. The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (AbilityOne Program) is one of the United States’ largest sources of employment for people who are blind or have significant disabilities, employing more than 40,000 individuals, including approximately 2,500 veterans.

Approximately 450 nonprofit organizations employ these individuals who provide quality products and services to the Federal Government totaling nearly $4 billion each year. Contracting with AbilityOne nonprofit organizations provides veterans and individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities more opportunities to work, lead independent lives, serve in their communities, and contribute to the strength of our Nation’s economy.

This contract action is identified as including opportunities for subcontracting. The statutory obligation for Government agencies to satisfy their requirements for supplies or services available from the AbilityOne Program also applies when contractors purchase the supplies or services for Government use. For this contract action (contracting officer select one):

A subcontracting plan is required. The contractor shall include AbilityOne as a separate goal on the subcontracting plan. This line must be reported in the Electronic Subcontracting Reporting System (eSRS) under Large Business. AbilityOne will give Other Than Small Business credit on subcontracting plans.

X A subcontracting plan is not required. The contractor should consider subcontracting with AbilityOne nonprofit organizations to the maximum extent practicable and allowable consistent with other statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to the acquisition.

To engage with an AbilityOne Contractor (Non-Profit Agency) for subcontracting opportunities, the prime contractor should include the following information in an email to primecontractor@abilityone.org:

a) Solicitation number

b) Copy of the performance work statement or scope of work

c) Identification of work that will be set aside for AbilityOne

d) Estimated annual value of work for AbilityOne

e) Prime contractor point of contact email address, phone number, name, and title

(End of solicitation and contract language)

NOAA Acquisition Manual 1330-52.215-70 SCHEDULE OF DELIVERABLES (SEPT 2005)

The following is a schedule of all deliverables, including administrative deliverables, required during the period of performance of this contract:

Item Description Quantity Due Date Deliver to Reference

See SOW.

(End of solicitation and contract language)

NOAA Acquisition Manual 1330-52.222-70 NOAA SEXUAL ASSAULT AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT

PREVENTION AND RESPONSE POLICY (MAY 2018)

In accordance with NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 202-1106, NOAA Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response Policy, it is the policy of NOAA to maintain a work environment free from sexual assault and sexual harassment. NOAA prohibits sexual assault and sexual harassment by or of any employee, supervisor, manager, contractor, vendor, affiliate, or other individual with whom NOAA employees come into contact by the virtue of their work for NOAA.

(a) Definitions.

Contractor Employees - The term “contractor employees,” as used in this solicitation and contract language, refers to employees of the prime contractor or its subcontractors, affiliates, consultants, or team members.

Sexual Assault - The term sexual assault, as used in this solicitation and contract language, means any conduct proscribed by state or federal sexual abuse laws, including, but not limited to, those defined in chapter 109A of title 18 of the U.S. Code (sexual abuse), and assaults committed both by offenders who are strangers to the victim and by offenders who are known or related by blood or marriage to the victim.

Sexual Harassment - As defined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature when any of the following are true:

● Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly as a term or condition of an individual's employment;

● Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual;

● The conduct unreasonably interferes with an individual's work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.

The main characteristics of sexual harassment are that the harasser's conduct is targeted against the recipient’s sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation, and is unwelcome to the recipient. It may include, but is not limited to: offensive jokes, slurs, epithets or name calling, undue attention, physical assaults or threats, unwelcome touching or contact, intimidation, ridicule or mockery, insults or put-downs, constant or unwelcome questions about an individual's identity, and offensive objects or pictures.

(b) Requirements.

1. It is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that contractor employees maintain the highest degree of conduct and standards in performance of the contract. In support of this, NOAA urges its contractors to develop and enforce comprehensive company policy addressing sexual assault and sexual harassment.

2. The contractor shall include wording substantially the same as this solicitation and contract language in every subcontract so that it is binding upon each subcontractor.

3. If a contractor employee observes or is the object of sexual assault or sexual harassment, he or she is highly encouraged to report the matter, as soon as possible, to their immediate supervisor, the COR, subset of the COR (e.g. Task Manager or Assistant COR), or contracting officer (CO) if a COR is not assigned to the contract. The contract employee may also contact the NOAA Civil Rights Office to obtain guidance on reporting instances of sexual assault or sexual harassment. If deemed necessary, the contractor employee may also report such instances to local law enforcement. In the case where the incident occurs while performing at a remote location, such as at sea or in the field (at a field camp or other isolated location) where the above referenced individuals are unavailable, the contractor employee should follow the reporting procedure set forth in NAO 202-1106, Section 6.07, Reporting from Remote Locations.

4. Swift reporting allows NOAA and the contractor to take the appropriate measures to ensure that offensive behavior stops and the complainants’ needs are addressed.

5. The COR (if assigned), CO, and contractor, where applicable, will work together to ensure appropriate action is taken in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, contract terms and conditions, and the contractor’s written policy (where applicable).

6. The contractor shall provide all contractor employees assigned to perform under this contract with mandatory sexual assault and sexual harassment prevention and response training in compliance with the requirements of NAO 202-1106, Section 5, Prevention Training and Awareness, as part of their initial in-processing and on an annual basis thereafter. The initial training shall be completed within [ ] business days (30 unless a different number is inserted) of contract award or the date a contractor employee is assigned to perform under the contract, as applicable.

Evidence of initial training by name and date completed for each contractor employee, shall be submitted to the COR or contracting officer (if no COR assigned) within 10 business days of completion.

Evidence of annual training by name and date completed for each contractor employee shall be submitted to the COR or contracting officer (if no COR assigned) no later than March 1st of each calendar year of contract performance.

7. The mandatory sexual assault and sexual harassment training provided by the contractor shall include the required elements set forth by NOAA’s Workplace Violence Program Manager. A link to the website including the required elements of the training is provided at https://www.noaa.gov/organization/acquisition-grants/noaa-workplace-harassment-training-for-contractors-and-financial. The website will also provide training materials and resources to assist the contractor in conducting the training. The contractor may provide training that solely addresses the

NOAA required elements or may supplement existing company sexual assault and sexual harassment training in a manner that ensures all of the elements are adequately addressed.

8. The required elements of the training and resources available to the contractor for the training may be updated by NOAA periodically. The contractor is responsible for monitoring the website and incorporating any changes to the NOAA required elements into the contractor provided training.

9. NOAA’s Workplace Violence Program Manager, COR, or CO may periodically review the contractor’s training outline to ensure all required elements are included and, if necessary, any appropriate adjustments are made to the training by the contractor.

10. Contractor employees performing on assignments in a remote location, such as at a field camp or other isolated locations, are subject to receiving the same briefing on the parameters of the order provided to NOAA employees as set forth in Section 6 of NAO 202-1106.

11. The contractor shall provide a copy of this solicitation and contract language and NAO 202-1106 to contractor employees.

(c) Sexual Assault/Sexual Harassment (SASH) Helpline.

For NOAA employees, affiliates, and contractors who have experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment, NOAA has established the NOAA Sexual Assault/Sexual Harassment (SASH) helpline. This helpline is designed to provide crisis intervention, referrals, and emotional support to those who are victims and/or survivors of sexual harassment or sexual assault within the workplace. Contractor employees may use the helpline to receive live, confidential, one-on-one support in an occurrence of sexual harassment or assault by a Federal Government employee.

All services are anonymous, secure, and available worldwide, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The NOAA SASH helpline is accessible through a variety of channels, including:

● Phone: 1-866-288-6558

● Website & Online Chat: https://www.noaasashhelpline.org/

● Mobile App: NOAA SASH Helpline (available via iOS and Android App Stores)

● Text: (202) 335-0265

(d) Confidentiality.

Any party receiving information from the filing of a complaint alleging sexual assault or sexual harassment, or while performing an investigation into such a complaint, shall keep the information confidential. “Confidentiality” means that the information shall only be shared with others who have a need to know the information to conduct their official duties.

(e) Remedies.

In addition to other remedies available to the Government, contractor employee violations of Federal requirements (e.g., law, statutes, executive orders, code, rules, regulations) applicable to sexual assault and sexual harassment and/or failure to complete the mandatory training set forth in this solicitation and contract language, may result in:

1. Requiring the contractor to remove a contractor employee or employees from the performance of the contract;

2. Requiring the contractor to terminate a subcontract;

3. Suspension of contract payments until the Contractor has taken appropriate remedial action;

4. Termination of the contract for default or cause, in accordance with the termination clause of this contract;

5. Suspension or debarment; or

6. Other appropriate action.

(End of solicitation and contract language)

NOAA Acquisition Manual 1330-52.232-71 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (FEB 2023)

The Contractor must submit payment requests electronically through the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform System (IPP). The Contractor must use the IPP website to register, access, and submit payment requests. The IPP website address is https://www.ipp.gov.

"Payment request" means any request for contract financing payment or invoice payment to the Contractor. To be considered proper, invoices must be prepared in accordance with, and contain all elements specified in, the contract payment clause (e.g., FAR 52.212-4(g), FAR 52.232-25(a)(3), FAR 52.232-26(a)(2), FAR 52.232-27(a)(2)).

The Contractor must include the following documents as attachments to payment requests submitted through the IPP: Any documents that the IPP POC requests.

If the Contractor is unable to comply with the requirement to submit payment requests through the IPP due to a threat to national security; a matter of unusual or compelling urgency; or because the political, financial, or communications infrastructure of a foreign country does not support access to the IPP, the Contractor must request an exception in writing. Contact the Contracting Officer for more information about requesting an exception.

NOAA Acquisition Manual 1330-52.237-70 CONTRACTOR COMMUNICATIONS

(a) A contractor employee shall be identified both by the individual’s name and the contractor’s name when:

● Included in NOAA’s locator, and

● When submitting any type of electronic correspondence to any NOAA employee or stakeholder.

(b) Any written correspondence from a contractor or any contractor employee shall be printed on company/organization letterhead or otherwise clearly identify the sender as an employee of the company or organization and shall identify the contract number.

(c) Contractors and/or contractor employees shall clearly identify themselves as such in any verbal communications, whether in informal discussion or a formal meeting.

(End of solicitation and contract language)

NOAA Acquisition Manual 1330-52.237-71 NOAA GOVERNMENT-CONTRACTOR RELATIONS - NON-

PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACT (SEPT 2017)

(a) The Government and the contractor understand and agree that the services to be delivered under this contract by the contractor to the Government are non-personal services as defined in FAR Part 37, Service Contracting, and the parties recognize and agree that no employer-employee relationship exists or will exist under the contract between the Government and the contractor’s personnel. It is, therefore, in the best interest of the Government to afford both parties an understanding of their respective obligations.

(b) Contractor personnel under this contract shall not:

1. Be placed in a position where they are under relatively continuous supervision and control of a Government employee.

2. Be placed in a position of command, supervision, administration, or control over Government personnel or over personnel of other contractors performing under other NOAA contracts.

(c) The services to be performed under this contract do not require the contractor or the contractor’s personnel to exercise personal judgment and discretion on behalf of the Government. Rather, the contractor’s personnel will act and exercise personal judgment and discretion on behalf of the contractor.

(d) Rules, regulations, directives, and requirements that are issued by the Department of Commerce and NOAA under its responsibility for good order, administration, and security are applicable to all personnel who enter the Government installation and facilities, who are provided access to Government systems, or who travel on Government transportation.