1332KP26Q0060.pdf

SOLICITATION FOR Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Enterprise Subscription (SES) Licenses, NOAA National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) Office Common Cloud Framework (NCCF).

This is a solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the procedures set forth in Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Overhaul (RFO) Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services. Be advised that this Request for Quote (RFQ), as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation is in accordance with RFO Part 12.201-1 Simplified Acquisition Procedures. This RFQ is prepared in accordance with RFO Part 12.201-1. Be advised that this Request for Quote (RFQ) does not commit the Government to pay any cost for the preparation and submission of a quote. In addition, the Contracting Officer is the only individual who can legally obligate the Government to the expenditure of appropriated funds in connection with this procurement.

This solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2026-01, Effective 3/13/2026. This RFQ is issued as a 100% Total Small Business Set-Aside Competitive Solicitation and the Government's Requirements are titled: Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Enterprise Subscription (SES) Licenses. The NAICS Code 611430 - Professional and Management Development Training, with a small business size standard of $15 Million is applicable to Government’s Requirements.

This Solicitation is RFQ 1332KP26Q0060 for Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Enterprise Subscription (SES) Licenses for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) requires Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Enterprise Subscription (SES) Licenses to support the Scaled Agile Framework Training Initiative within the organization aimed at implementing the use of agile practices tailored to the NESDIS Common Cloud Framework (NCCF), located in Silver Spring, MD. The anticipated period of performance consists of one (1), 12-month base period, and one (1) 12-month option periods. The Government anticipates a Firm-Fixed Price contract resulting from this solicitation.

The specific technical requirements for Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Enterprise Subscription (SES) Licenses are presented in Section III, Statement of Work. The Quoter shall review Section XII for quote preparation instructions. Please note that contractor shall complete and submit provision FAR 52.212-3 and 52.209-11 before NOAA makes the award, if the information differs from System for Award Management (SAM) representations and certifications.

If there are questions on this RFQ, they shall be submitted no later than 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) Thursday, August 20, 2026. Quotations are due by Friday, August 21, 2026 at 2:00PM EST. The Government’s points of contact for questions and quotations are Jay Parsick Contract Specialist (Jay.Parsick@noaa.gov) and Mario Gray, Contracting Officer (Mario.Gray@noaa.gov). NOAA is not liable for any contractor costs associated with responding to this RFQ. NOAA reserves the right not to make any award as a result of this RFQ.

Interested Contractors shall provide a quotation for the following:

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (WOSB)

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE 1 OF

2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3.AWARD/EFFECTIVE

DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE

DATE

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (No collect calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/

LOCAL TIME

9. ISSUED BY

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

CODE

15. DELIVER TO 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE17a. CONTRACTOR/

OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY

CODE

CODE

TELEPHONE NUMBER

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

OFFER

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

BELOW IS CHECKED

REQUEST

FOR QUOTE

(RFQ)

INVITATION

FOR BID

(IFB)

REQUEST

FOR

PROPOSAL

(RFP)

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

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

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Government Use Only)

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN 29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REFERENCE

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

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

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

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

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR

NORTH AMERICAN

INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION

STANDARD (NAICS):

SIZE STANDARD:

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

THE DEFENSE PRIORITIES

AND ALLOCATIONS

SYSTEM - DPAS (15 CFR 700)

SET ASIDE: % FOR:

11. DELIVERY FOR FREE ON

BOARD (FOB) DESTINATION

UNLESS BLOCK IS MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

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

FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED.

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

8(A)

ECONOMICALLY

DISADVANTAGED

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (EDWOSB)

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

(SDVOSB)

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SMALL BUSINESS

NOTE: OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, AND 30.

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH

AND DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND

ON ANY ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS

SPECIFIED

DATED.

OFFER

ADDENDA

ADDENDA

1332KP26Q0060

OSGS

1315 EAST WEST HIGHWAY

5TH FLOOR, MAIL CODE E GS

SILVER SPRING MD 20910

SIAD-WHITE

1325 EAST WEST HWY

SSMC2, 11th FLOOR

SILVER SPRING MD 20910

SIAD-WHITE

1325 EAST WEST HWY

SSMC2, 11th FLOOR

08/21/2026 1400 ED

JAY S. PARSICK

SIAD-WHITE 100.00

SIAD-WHITE

MARIO GRAY

611430

$15

08/19/2026

NEEG1100

Period of Performance: 09/01/2026 to

08/31/2027

0001 Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Enterprise

Subscription (SES) Licenses, 125 users.

Continued...

STOCK RECORD (S/R)

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021) BACK

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

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

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE

41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER 41c. DATE

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42c. DATE RECEIVED (MM/DD/YYYY) 42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS

40. PAID BY

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32g. EMAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

33. SHIP NUMBER 34. VOUCHER NUMBER 35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

PARTIAL FINAL

37. CHECK NUMBER

38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER 39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER

36. PAYMENT

COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL

ACCEPTED,

Product/Service Code: DF10

Delivery: 09/01/2026

1001 Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Enterprise

Subscription (SES) Licenses, 125 Users.

Product/Service Code: DF10

Delivery: 09/01/2027

Period of Performance: 09/01/2027 to

08/31/2028

1332KP26Q0060 BASE

Section II - Supplies or Services and Price/Costs Section III - Description/Specifications Section IV - Packaging and Marking Section V - Inspection and Acceptance Section VI - Deliveries or Performance Section VIII - Special Contract Requirements Section IX - Contract Clauses Section XII - Instructions, Conditions, and Notices Section XIII - Basis of Award

Section II - Supplies or Services and Price/Costs

CLIN List

Item Number Description Quantity Unit Unit Price Amount

Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Enterprise Subscription (SES) Licenses, 125 users.

Award Type: Firm-fixed-price Product/Service Code: DF10

Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Enterprise Subscription (SES) Licenses, 125 Users.

Award Type: Firm-fixed-price Product/Service Code: DF10 Period of Performance: 09/01/2027 to 08/31/2028

Section III - Description/Specifications

1 STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Services NESDIS/OCS/GSD

To purchase Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Enterprise Subscription (SES) Licenses to support the Scaled Agile Framework Training Initiative within the organization aimed at implementing the use of agile practices tailored to the NESDIS Common Cloud Framework (NCCF).

BACKGROUND:

The NESDIS Common Cloud Framework (NCCF) is a suite of services that allows NESDIS to provide end to-end ground service capabilities to ingest, process, analyze, distribute, and store all types of NESDIS data for faster, easier dissemination of data to NESDIS partners and consumers. There are several projects and applications throughout NESDIS that will be migrating into NCCF. The procurement of the SES Licenses will support the training approach for use of agile practices and the guidance on execution of several initiatives including the continued development of NCCF and the migrations of applications, algorithms development, and product generation within NCCF. A license holder will have access to SAFe agile training materials and is eligible to take unlimited SAFe training during the life of this contract. The license holder has the option to take the SAFe Certification test after each training to be SAFe certified. This purchase will enable continued progression towards accomplishment of the NESDIS Transformation Strategic Objective to develop agile, scalable ground capability to improve efficiency of service deliverables and ingest of data from all sources.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Product Users Period of Performance

SAFe SES Licenses maximum number of users 125 Period of Performance 9/1/2026 - 8/31/2027 SAFe SES Licenses maximum number of users 125 Period of Performance 9/1/2027 - 8/31/2028

PERIODS OF PERFORMANCE:

Base Year: 9/1/2026 - 8/31/2027 Option Year 1: 9/1/2027 - 8/31/2028

Section IV - Packaging and Marking

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

Not Applicable

(End of solicitation and contract language)

Section V - Inspection and Acceptance

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:

DOC/NOAA/OSGS

1315 EAST WEST HIGHWAY

5TH FLOOR, MAIL CODE E GS

(End of clause)

Section VI - Deliveries or Performance

Deliverable Due Date/First Instance Due Recurring

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

(a) The base period of performance of this contract is from 09/01/2026 through 08/31/2027. 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:

09/01/2027 to 08/31/2028

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

(End of clause)

Section VIII - Special Contract Requirements

001 Contract Administration Contact Information

Government Technical Point of Contact:

TBD

DOC/NOAA/OSGS

1315 East West Highway Bldg. SSMC 3, 5th Floor, Mail Code E GS Silver Spring, MD 20910

Contract Specialist:

Jay Parsick 1325 East West Highway Silver Spring, MD 20910 Tel: 301-628-0027 Jay.Parsick@noaa.gov

Contracting Officer:

Mario Gray 1325 East West Highway Silver Spring, MD 20910 Tel: 301-458-0018 Mario.Gray@noaa.gov

Payment and Invoicing Instructions

Electronic Submission: In accordance with NOAA Acquisition Manual 1330-52.232-71 (see section I), the Contractor shall submit all payment requests through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) at https://www.ipp.gov.

mailto:Jay.Parsick@noaa.gov mailto:Mario.Gray@noaa.gov

Section IX - Contract Clauses

Clauses Incorporated by Reference Clause Number Clause Title

52.202-1 Definitions. (JUN 2020)

52.203-6 Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government.

(JUN 2020)

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

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)

52.209-9 Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters. (OCT 2018) (Deviation JAN 2026)

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

52.219-8 Utilization of Small Business Concerns. (JAN 2025) (Deviation JAN 2026)

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

(JAN 2025) (Deviation JAN 2026)

52.222-35 Equal Opportunity for Veterans. (JUN 2020) (Deviation

JAN 2026)

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

52.222-37 Employment Reports on Veterans. (JUN 2020) (Deviation

JAN 2026)

52.222-40 Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act. (DEC 2010) (Not for DOC Use)

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

JAN 2026)

52.222-54 Employment Eligibility Verification. (JAN 2025) (Deviation

JAN 2026)

52.222-90 Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors ((DEVIATION April 2026))

52.224-3 Privacy Training. (JAN 2017)

52.225-25 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran- Representation and Certifications. (JUN 2020)

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)

52.233-2 Service of Protest. (SEP 2006) (Deviation JAN 2026) 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim. (OCT 2004)

Clause Number Clause Title (Deviation JAN 2026)

1352.201-70 Contracting Officer's Authority. (MAR 2010) 1352.209-72 Restrictions against disclosure. (APR 2010) 1352.209-73 Compliance with the laws. (APR 2010) 1352.209-74 Organizational conflict of interest. (APR 2010) 1352.239-70 Software license addendum. (APR 2010)

RFO 52.217-8 Option To Extend Services. (NOV 1999)

The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days.

(End of clause)

RFO 52.217-9 Option To Extend the Term of the Contract. (MAR 2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within any time during the period of the contract; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 15 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 24 months.

(End of clause)

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):

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52 https://www.acquisition.gov/car/part-1301-department-commerce-acquisition-regulations-system

(End of clause)

CAR 1352.201-72 Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). (APR 2010)

(a) TBD is hereby designated as the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). The COR may be changed at any time by the Government without prior notice to the contractor by a unilateral modification to the contract. The COR is located at:

TBD

Phone Number: TBD

E-mail: TBD

(b) The responsibilities and limitations of the COR are as follows:

(1) The COR is responsible for the technical aspects of the contract and serves as technical liaison with the contractor. The COR is also responsible for the final inspection and acceptance of all deliverables and such other responsibilities as may be specified in the contract.

(2) The COR is not authorized to make any commitments or otherwise obligate the Government or authorize any changes which affect the contract price, terms or conditions. Any contractor request for changes shall be referred to the Contracting Officer directly or through the COR. No such changes shall be made without the express written prior authorization of the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer may designate assistant or alternate COR(s) to act for the COR by naming such assistant/alternate(s) in writing and transmitting a copy of such designation to the contractor.

(End of clause)

CAR 1352.239-71 Electronic and information technology. (APR 2010)

(a) To be considered eligible for award, offerors must propose electronic and information technology (EIT) that meet the applicable Access Board accessibility standards at 36 CFR 1194 designated below:

[X] 1194.21 Software applications and operating systems

[X] 1194.22 Web-based intranet and internet information and applications

[X] 1194.23 Telecommunications products

[ ] 1194.24 Video and multimedia products

[X] 1194.25 Self-contained, closed products

[ ] 1194.26 Desktop and portable computers

[ ] 1194.31 Functional performance criteria

[ ] 1194.41 Information, documentation and support

(b) The standards do not require the installation of specific accessibility-related software or the attachment of an assistive technology device, but merely require that the EIT be compatible with such software and devices so that it can be made accessible if so required by the agency in the future.

(c) Alternatively, offerors may propose products and services that provide equivalent facilitation. Such offers will be considered to have met the provisions of the Access Board standards for the feature or components providing equivalent facilitation. If none of the offers that meet all applicable provisions of the standards could be accepted without imposing an undue burden on the agency or component, or if none of the offerors propose products or services that fully meet all of the applicable Access Board's provisions, those offerors whose products or services meet some of the applicable provisions will be considered eligible for award. Awards will not be made to an offeror meeting all or some of the applicable Access Board provisions if award would impose an undue burden upon the agency.

(d) Offerors must submit representation information concerning their products by completing the VPAT template at http://www.Section508.gov.

(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 1330-52.222-70 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: [Contracting Officer list required invoice attachment(s); none if left blank].

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.

(End of solicitation and contract language)

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. This is not to be construed or interpreted to establish any degree of Government control that is inconsistent with a non-personal services contract.

(e) Both parties are responsible for monitoring contract activities for indications of improper employee-employer relationships during performance. In the event a situation or occurrence takes place inconsistent with this contract language, the following applies:

1. The contractor shall notify the contracting officer in writing within 5 business days from the date of any situation or occurrence where the contractor considers specific contract activity to be inconsistent with the intent of this contract language. The notice must include the date, nature and circumstance of the situation or occurrence, the name, function and activity of each Government employee or contractor employee involved or knowledgeable about the situation or occurrence, provide any documents or the substance of any oral communications related to the activity, and an estimated date by which the Government is recommended to respond to the notice in order to minimize cost, delay, or disruption of performance.

2. The contracting officer will review the information provided by the contractor, obtain additional information (if needed), and respond in writing as soon as practicable after receipt of the notification from the contractor. The contracting officer’s response will provide a decision on whether the contracting officer determines the situation or occurrence to be inconsistent with the intent of this contract language and, if deemed necessary, will specify any corrective action(s) to be taken in order to resolve the issue.

(End of solicitation and contract language)

Section XII - Instructions, Conditions, and Notices

RFO 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (SEP 2023) (Deviation JAN 2026)

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

(1) The solicitation number;

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

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

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

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

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

(b) Period for acceptance of offers. The Offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 60 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation.

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

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

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

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

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

(d) Contract award (not applicable to Invitation for Bids). The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with Offerors. Therefore, the Offeror's initial offer should contain the Offeror's best terms. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions, if necessary. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest, accept other than the lowest offer, and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

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

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

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

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

(4) A summary of the rationale for award.

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

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

(End of provision)

Section XIII - Basis of Award

52.212-2 Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

1. Technical Acceptability

2. Price

Award will be made on the basis of the lowest evaluated price of quotes meeting the acceptability standards for non-cost factors (Lowest Price Technically Acceptable - LPTA).

The Government will first evaluate the lowest-priced quote for Technical Acceptability. If the lowest-priced quote is determined to be Technically Acceptable, no further quotes will be evaluated, and award will be made to that vendor. If it is Unacceptable, the Government will evaluate the next lowest-priced quote, and so on.

Quotes will be evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis for Technical Acceptability. To receive a "Pass" (Technically Acceptable), the Offeror must provide a quote that meets all of the following criteria across the Base Period and all Option Periods:

• (i) Exact Product Match (Brand Name): The Offeror must quote the exact software licenses, specific SKUs (if applicable), and quantities identified in the statement of need for both the Base Period and Option Period(s). "Or equal" products will not be accepted. The quote must explicitly list the correct software name, tier/version, quantity, and license duration requested.

• (ii) Authorized Reseller Status: The original software developer strictly limits the sale of this product to a select network of partners. The Offeror must submit direct written confirmation from the software developer explicitly stating that the Offeror is an authorized reseller for this specific procurement or is an authorized partner in good standing. Quotes lacking verifiable proof of authorized reseller status will be rejected to prevent gray-market licensing.

• (iii) Delivery Terms: The Offeror must agree to deliver the software licenses (via electronic license keys, portal access, or download links) no later than the start date for the Base Period, and agree to standard activation timelines upon the exercise of any Option Period.

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

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

(End of provision)