Amendment 0001 - RFP 1332KP26R0024.pdf

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

1332KP26R0024

SIAD-RED

1325 EAST WEST HWY

SSMC2, 11th FLOOR

SILVER SPRING MD 20910

1325 EAST WEST HWY

SSMC2, 11th FLOOR

SILVER SPRING MD 20910

06/26/2026 1300 ED

RECARLO APPLEWHITE

AUDREY HOGG

541990

$19.5

05/27/2026

0001 Regional Weather Records Center Services in accordance with the IDIQ Performance Work

Statement (PWS) in Section C of this document.

Monthly billing will be the NTE Total divided by the Number of Months of the total negotiated

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,

FFP.

Period of Performance: 09/17/2026 to

09/16/2031

1332KP26R0024 BASE

Section B - Supplies or Services/Prices Section C - Description/Specifications Section D - Packaging and Marking Section E - Inspection and Acceptance Section F - Deliveries or Performance Section G - Contract Administration Data Section H - Special Contract Requirements Section I - Contract Clauses Section J - List of Documents, Exhibits and Other Attachments Section K - Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Bidders Section L - Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Bidders Section M - Evaluation Factors for Award

Section B - Supplies or Services/Prices

Item Number Description Quantity Unit Unit Price Amount

Regional Weather Records Center Services in accordance with the IDIQ Performance Work Statement (PWS) in Section C of this document. Monthly billing will be the NTE Total divided by the Number of Months of the total negotiated FFP.

Award Type: Firm-fixed-price Period of Performance: 09/17/2026 to 09/16/2031

B.1 General

The Midwestern Regional Weather Records Center (MRWRC) is a single-award, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract that supports the National Centers for Environmental Information's (NCEI) effort to understand user needs for environmental information, and to translate those needs into requirements for the development of future products and services.

Individual supplies and service requirements under the subject IDIQ contract shall be further defined at the task order level.

The Regional Weather Records Centers (RWRCs) shall provide products and services to address regional weather records needs and issues in the context of NCEI’s broader environmental information responsibilities. This will include leveraging NOAA’s capabilities and expertise by transforming its satellite, in situ, radar, and paleoclimate data and products into regionally-tailored products and services, as appropriate, that meet the needs of users and partners and promote resilience and prosperity.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code associated with this IDIQ contract is 541990 - All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.

B.2 Ordering Period

The ordering period for the MRWRC IDIQ will be five years, consisting of a five-year base ordering period. The period of performance will be from September 17, 2026 through September 16, 2031.

Section C - Description/Specifications

C.1 Performance Work Statement (PWS)

See Attachment J.1 "Midwestern Regional Weather Records Center IDIQ Performance Work Statement" and Attachment J.2 "Midwestern Regional Weather Records Center Task Order 1 Performance Work Statement".

Section D - Packaging and Marking

D.1 Packaging

Packaging of all deliverables must conform to commercial packing standards to assure safe delivery at destination unless otherwise specified. Clauses and other requirements regarding packaging shall be designated by the CO at the task order level.

The contractor shall furnish such labor as may be necessary for packing, unpacking and placement of equipment when in the possession of the government without additional charge to the government.

Supervision of packing, unpacking and placement of the equipment shall be furnished by the contractor without charge to the government.

D.2 Marking

All deliverables required under this IDIQ contract shall be marked in accordance with government specifications, and, at a minimum, shall be marked with the IDIQ contract number and contractor name.

Specific marking requirements may be addressed in individual task orders.

Section E - Inspection and Acceptance

E.1 Inspection and Acceptance

Inspection and acceptance of all work and services performed under each task order will be in accordance with the FAR clauses incorporated at Section E, Clauses Incorporated by Reference, as applicable.

Final acceptance of all deliverables and/or services performed as specified under each task order will be made in writing, at destination, by the COR or as detailed in individual task orders.

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:

National Centers for Environmental Information 151 Patton Avenue Asheville, NC 28801-5001

(End of clause)

Section F - Deliveries or Performance

RFO 52.242-15 Stop-Work Order. (AUG 1989)

RFO 52.242-17 Government Delay of Work. (APR 1984)

F.1 Delivery

The services required under each individual Task Order shall be delivered and received at the destination within the time frame specified in each order.

F.2 Notice to the Government of Delays

The contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer and the COR appointed to the task order, in writing, in the event the contractor encounters difficulty in meeting performance requirements, or when it anticipates difficulty in complying with the contract delivery schedule or completion date, or as soon as the contractor has knowledge that any actual or potential situation is delaying or threatens to delay the timely performance of this IDIQ contract. This notification shall give pertinent details, but this data shall be informational only; this term shall not be construed as a waiver by the government of any delivery schedule or date, or any rights or remedies provided by law or under this IDIQ contract.

F.3 Task Order Period of Performance

The performance period will be specified in each task order and may include option periods. If an option is exercised, the period of performance shall be extended through the end of that option period. While orders under the IDIQ may extend beyond the base ordering period of five years, in no case will the period of performance of a task order extend more than 1 year beyond the ordering period.

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

(a) The base ordering period of performance of this IDIQ contract is from September 17, 2026 through September 16, 2031. 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:

N/A

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

(End of clause)

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

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

All deliverables, including administrative deliverables required during the period of performance of this IDIQ contract, shall be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the respective task order. All deliverables under the subject IDIQ contract shall be further defined at the task order level.

(End of solicitation and contract language)

Section G - Contract Administration Data

G.1 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®.

CAR 1352.201-70 Contracting Officer's Authority. (MAR 2010)

The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to make or approve any changes in any of the requirements of this contract, and, notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this contract, the said authority remains solely in the Contracting Officer. In the event the contractor makes any changes at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the change will be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment will be made in the contract terms and conditions, including price.

(End of clause)

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

(a) To be designated at time of award 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:

To be designated at time of award

Phone Number: To be designated at time of award

E-mail: To be designated at time of award

(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 1352.216-76 Placement of orders. (APR 2010)

(a) The contractor shall provide goods and/or services under this contract only as directed in orders issued by authorized individuals. In accordance with RFO 16.506, each order will include:

(1) Date of order;

(2) Contract number and order number;

(3) For supplies and services, line-item number, subline item number (if applicable), description, quantity, and unit price or estimated cost and fee (as applicable). The corresponding line-item number and subline item number from the base contract must also be included;

(4) Delivery or performance date;

(5) Statement of work that clearly specifies all tasks to be performed or property supplies to be delivered under the order. Performance-based acquisition methods must be used to the maximum extent practicable, if the order is for services;

(6) Place of delivery or performance (including consignee);

(7) Any packaging, packing, and shipping instructions;

(8) Accounting and appropriation data;

(9) Method of payment and payment office, if not specified in the contract (see part 32);

(10) North American Industry Classification System code (see part 19); and

(11) Any other pertinent information.

(b) In accordance with FAR 52.216-18, Ordering, the following individuals (or activities) are authorized to place orders against this contract:

Any duly appointed NOAA/Acquisition and Grants Office (AGO) Contracting Officer within the Satellite and Information Acquisition Division (SIAD), acting within the scope of their authority.

(c) If multiple awards have been made, the contact information for the DOC task and delivery order ombudsman is N/A.

(End of clause)

Section H - Special Contract Requirements

CAR 1352.208-70 Restrictions on printing and duplicating. (APR 2010)

CAR 1352.209-72 Restrictions against disclosure. (APR 2010)

CAR 1352.209-73 Compliance with the laws. (APR 2010)

CAR 1352.209-74 Organizational conflict of interest. (APR 2010)

CAR 1352.227-70 Rights in data, assignment of copyright. (APR 2010)

CAR 1352.237-70 Security processing requirements-high or moderate risk contracts. (APR 2010)

CAR 1352.239-72 Security requirements for information technology resources. (APR 2010)

(a) Applicability. This clause is applicable to all contracts that require contractor electronic access to Department of Commerce sensitive non-national security or national security information contained in systems, or administrative control of systems by a contractor that process or store information that directly supports the mission of the Agency.

(b) Definitions. For purposes of this clause, the term "Sensitive" is defined by the guidance set forth in the Computer Security Act of 1987 (Pub. L. 100-235), including the following definition of the term:

(1) Sensitive information is " * * * any information, the loss, misuse, or unauthorized access to, or modification of which could adversely affect the national interest or the, conduct of Federal programs, or the privacy to which individuals are entitled under section 552a of title 5, United States Code (The Privacy Act), but which has not been specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive Order or an Act of Congress to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign policy."

(2) For purposes of this clause, the term "National Security" is defined by the guidance set forth in:

(i) The DOC IT Security Program Policy and Minimum Implementation Standards, Section 4.3.

(ii) The DOC Security Manual, Chapter 18.

(iii) Executive Order 12958, as amended, Classified National Security Information. Classified or national security information is information that has been specifically authorized to be protected from unauthorized disclosure in the interest of national defense or foreign policy under an Executive Order or Act of Congress.

(3) Information technology resources include, but are not limited to, hardware, application software, system software, and information (data). Information technology services include, but are not limited to, the management, operation (including input, processing, transmission, and output), maintenance, programming, and system administration of computer systems, networks, and telecommunications systems.

(c) The contractor shall be responsible for implementing sufficient Information Technology security, to reasonably prevent the compromise of DOC IT resources for all of the contractor's systems that are interconnected with a DOC network or DOC systems that are operated by the contractor.

(d) All contractor personnel performing under this contract and contractor equipment used to process or store DOC data, or to connect to DOC networks, must comply with the requirements contained in the DOC Information Technology Management Handbook (see DOC, Office of the Chief Information Officer Web site), or equivalent/more specific agency or operating unit counsel guidance as specified immediately hereafter [insert agency or operating unit counsel specific guidance, if applicable].

(e) Contractor personnel requiring a user account for access to systems operated by the contractor for DOC or interconnected to a DOC network to perform contract services shall be screened at an appropriate level in accordance with Commerce Acquisition Manual 1337.70, Security Processing Requirements for Service Contracts.

(f) Within 5 days after contract award, the contractor shall certify in writing to the COR that its employees, in performance of the contract, have completed initial IT security orientation training in DOC IT Security policies, procedures, computer ethics, and best practices, in accordance with DOC IT Security Program Policy, chapter 15, section 15.3. The COR will inform the contractor of any other available DOC training resources. Annually thereafter the contractor shall certify in writing to the COR that its employees, in performance of the contract, have completed annual refresher training as required by section 15.4 of the DOC IT Security Program Policy.

(g) Within 5 days of contract award, the contractor shall provide the COR with signed acknowledgement of the provisions as contained in Commerce Acquisition Regulation (CAR), 1352.209-72, Restrictions Against Disclosures.

(h) The contractor shall afford DOC, including the Office of Inspector General, access to the contractor's and subcontractor's facilities, installations, operations, documentation, databases, and personnel used in performance of the contract. Access shall be provided to the extent required to carry out a program of IT inspection, investigation, and audit to safeguard against threats and hazards to the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of DOC data or to the function of computer systems operated on behalf of DOC, and to preserve evidence of computer crime.

(i) For all contractor-owned systems for which performance of the contract requires interconnection with a DOC network on which DOC data will be stored or processed, the contractor shall provide, implement, and maintain a System Accreditation Package in accordance with the DOC IT Security Program Policy. Specifically, the contractor shall:

(1) Within 14 days after contract award, submit for DOC approval a System Certification Work Plan, including project management information (at a minimum the tasks, resources, and milestones) for the certification effort, in accordance with DOC IT Security Program Policy and [Insert agency or operating unit counsel specific guidance, if applicable]. The Certification Work Plan, approved by the COR, in consultation with the DOC IT Security Officer, or Agency/operating unit counsel IT Security Manager/Officer, shall be incorporated as part of the contract and used by the COR to monitor performance of certification activities by the contractor of the system that will process DOC data or connect to DOC networks. Failure to submit and receive approval of the Certification Work Plan may result in termination of the contract.

(2) Upon approval, follow the work plan schedule to complete system certification activities in accordance with DOC IT Security Program Policy Section 6.2, and provide the COR with the completed System Security Plan and Certification Documentation Package portions of the System Accreditation Package for approval and system accreditation by an appointed DOC official.

(3) Upon receipt of the Security Assessment Report and Authorizing Official's written accreditation decision from the COR, maintain the approved level of system security as documented in the Security Accreditation Package, and assist the COR in annual assessments of control effectiveness in accordance with DOC IT Security Program Policy, Section 6.3.1.1.

(j) The contractor shall incorporate this clause in all subcontracts that meet the conditions in paragraph (a) of this clause.

(End of clause)

H.1 Observance of Legal Holidays and Excused Absence

(a) The government hereby provides notification that government personnel observe the following listed days as holidays:

(1) New Year's Day;

(2) Martin Luther King's Birthday;

(3) President’s Day;

(4) Memorial Day;

(5) Juneteenth;

(6) Independence Day;

(7) Labor Day;

(8) Columbus Day;

(9) Veterans' Day;

(10) Thanksgiving Day; and

(11) Christmas Day.

(b) The government observes the following days in addition to the days designated as holidays:

(1) Any other day designated by Federal Statute;

(2) Any other day designated by Executive Order; and

(3) Any other day designated by the President’s Proclamation.

(c) It is understood and agreed between the Government and the Contractor that observance of such days by Government personnel shall not otherwise be a reason for an additional period of performance, or entitlement of compensation except as set forth within the contract. In the event the Contractor’s personnel are authorized by the Government to work during the holiday at a Government site, they may be reimbursed by the Contractor; however, no form of holiday or other premium compensation will be reimbursed either as a direct or indirect cost, other than their normal compensation for the time worked. This provision does not preclude reimbursement for authorized overtime work if applicable to this contract.

(d) When the Federal entities grant excused absence to its employees, the Contractor agrees to continue to provide sufficient personnel at a Government site to perform critical tasks already in operation or scheduled, and shall be guided by the instructions issued by the Contracting Officer, COR or

ACOR.

(e) If Government personnel are furloughed, the Contractor shall contact the Contracting Officer, COR or ACOR to receive direction. It is the Government’s decision as to whether the contract price/cost will be affected. Generally, the following situations apply:

1. Contractor personnel that are able to continue contract performance (either on-site or at a site other than their normal work station), shall continue to work and the contract price shall not be reduced or increased.

2. Contractor personnel that are not able to continue contract performance (e.g., support functions), may be asked to cease their work effort.

(f) In those situations that Government personnel are furloughed, the Contractor may not invoice for their employees working during the Government furlough, until such time as any special legislation affecting Government personnel is signed into law.

(g) Nothing in this clause abrogates the rights and responsibilities of the parties relating to stop work provisions as cited in other sections of this contract.

CAR 1352.216-74 Task orders. (APR 2010)

(a) In task order contracts, all work shall be initiated only by issuance of fully executed task orders issued by the Contracting Officer. The work to be performed under these orders must be within the scope of the IDIQ contract. The Government is only liable for labor hours and costs expended under the terms and conditions of this IDIQ contract to the extent that a fully executed task order has been issued and covers the required work and costs. Charges for any work not authorized shall be disallowed.

(b) For each task order under the IDIQ contract, the Contracting Office shall send a request for proposal to the contractor(s). The request will contain a detailed description of the tasks to be achieved, a schedule for completion of the task order, and deliverables to be provided by the contractor.

(c) The contractor shall submit a proposal defining the technical approach to be taken to complete the task order, work schedule and proposed cost/price.

(d) After any necessary negotiations, the contractor shall submit a final proposal.

(e) Task orders will be considered fully executed upon signature of the Contracting Officer. The contractor shall begin work on the task order in accordance with the effective date of the order.

(f) The contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer of any instructions or guidance given that may impact the cost, schedule or deliverables of the task order. A formal modification to the task order must be issued by the Contracting Officer before any changes can be made.

(g) Task orders may be placed during the period of performance of the IDIQ contract. Labor rates applicable to hours expended in performance of an order will be the IDIQ contract rates that are in effect at the time the task order is issued.

(h) If multiple awards are made by the Government, the CO shall provide each awardee a fair opportunity to be considered for each task order over the micro-purchase threshold unless one of the exceptions at FAR 16.505(b) applies.

(End of clause)

CAR 1352.237-75 Key personnel. (APR 2010)

(a) The contractor shall assign to this contract the following key personnel:

To Be Determined (TBD) Position Title: MRWRC Director

Any other personnel as proposed by the Offeror

Name and Position Title TBD

(b) The contractor shall obtain the consent of the Contracting Officer prior to making key personnel substitutions. Replacements for key personnel must possess qualifications equal to or exceeding the qualifications of the personnel being replaced, unless an exception is approved by the Contracting Officer.

(c) Requests for changes in key personnel shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer at least 15 working days prior to making any permanent substitutions. The request should contain a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer will notify the contractor within 10 working days after receipt of all required information of the decision on substitutions. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes.

(End of clause)

NOAA Acquisition Manual 1330-52.203-70 Scientific Integrity and Research Misconduct (OCT 2012)

(a) Definitions. As used in this solicitation and contract language –

Scientific activities mean activities that involve inventorying, monitoring, observations, experimentation, study, research, integration, modeling, and scientific assessment.

Scientific integrity means the condition resulting from adherence to professional values and practices when conducting and applying the results of science that ensures objectivity, clarity, and reproducibility, and that provides insulation from bias, fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, interference, censorship, and inadequate procedural and information security.

Presentation of scientific activities results includes the analysis, synthesis, compilation, or translation of scientific information and data into formats for the use of the Department of Commerce or the United States of America.

Scientific and Research Misconduct means fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing scientific and research activities, or in the products or reporting of the results of these activities. It specifically includes intentional circumvention of the integrity of the scientific and research process and actions that compromise that process, but does not include honest error or differences of opinion.

Investigation is formal collection and evaluation of information and facts to determine if scientific or research misconduct can be established, to assess its extent and consequences, and to recommend appropriate action.

(b) General Guidelines

1. Maintaining Integrity. The contractor shall maintain the scientific integrity of research performed pursuant to this contract award including the prevention, detection, and remediation of research misconduct, and the conduct of inquiries, investigations and adjudication of allegations of research misconduct.

2. In performing or presenting the results of scientific activities under the contract, and in responding to allegations of scientific and research misconduct, the contractor shall comply with the solicitation and contract language herein and NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 202-735D-2, Scientific Integrity, and its Procedural Handbook, including any amendments thereto.

3. Primary Responsibility. The contractor shall have the primary responsibility to prevent, detect, and investigate allegations of scientific and research misconduct. Unless otherwise instructed by the contracting officer, the contractor shall promptly conduct an initial inquiry into any allegation of such misconduct and may rely on its internal policies and procedures, as appropriate, to do so.

4. By executing this contract, the contractor provides its assurance that it has established an administrative process for performing an inquiry, investigating, and reporting allegations of scientific and research misconduct; and that it will comply with its own administrative process for performing an inquiry, investigation and reporting of such misconduct.

5. The contractor shall insert the substance of this requirement in subcontracts at all tiers that involve research being performed under this contract.

(c) Investigating Misconduct Research

1. Initiating Investigation. If the contractor determines that there is sufficient evidence to proceed to an investigation, it shall notify the contracting officer and, unless otherwise instructed, the contractor shall:

A. Promptly conduct an investigation to develop a complete factual record and an examination of such record leading to either a finding of scientific and research misconduct and an identification of appropriate remedies or a determination that no further action is warranted.

B. If the investigation leads to a finding of scientific and research misconduct, obtain adjudication by a neutral third party adjudicator. The adjudication must include a review of the investigative record and, as warranted, a determination of appropriate corrective actions and sanctions.

2. Finalizing Investigation. When the investigation is complete, the contractor shall forward to the contracting officer a copy of the evidentiary record, the investigative report, any recommendations made to the Contractor’s adjudicating official, the adjudicating official’s decision and notification of any corrective action taken or planned, and the subject’s written response (if any).

(d) Findings and Corrective Actions

1. If the contractor finds that scientific and research misconduct has occurred, it shall assess the seriousness of the misconduct and its impact on the research completed or in process and shall:

i. Take all necessary corrective actions, which includes, but are not limited to, correcting the research record, and, as appropriate, imposing restrictions, controls, or other parameters on research in process or to be conducted in the future, and

ii. Coordinate remedial action with the contracting officer.

(e) Department of Commerce Actions

1. The Department of Commerce may accept the Contractor’s findings or proceed with its own investigation, in which case the contractor shall fully cooperate with the investigation. The contracting officer will inform the contractor of the Department’s final determination.

2. The Department of Commerce reserves the right to pursue such remedies and other actions as it deems appropriate, consistent with the terms and conditions of the contract and applicable laws and regulations. Such remedies and actions may include, but are not limited to, disallowance of costs, recoupment of contract payments, and suspension or debarment.

(End of solicitation and contract language)

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 30 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 1330-52.227-71 AWARDS EXPECTED TO GENERATE ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

OR PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS (OCT 2016)

Special Award Conditions:

1. Data Sharing: Environmental data collected, created, or generated under this contract or order must be made publicly visible and accessible in a timely manner, free of charge or at minimal cost that is no more than the cost of distribution to the user, except where limited by law, regulation, policy, or national security requirements. Data are to be made available by the contractor in a form that would permit further analysis or reuse: data must be encoded in a machine-readable format, preferably using existing open format standards; data must be sufficiently documented, preferably using open metadata standards, to enable users to independently read and understand the data. The location (internet address) of the data should be included in the final report. Pursuant to NOAA Information Quality Guidelines, data should undergo quality control (QC) and a description of the QC process and results should be referenced in the metadata. Link to guidelines:

http://www.cio.noaa.gov/services_programs/IQ_Guidelines_103014.html

2. Environmental data are defined by NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 212-15: Management of Environmental Data and Information as recorded and derived observations and measurements of the physical, chemical, biological, geological, and geophysical properties and conditions of the oceans, atmosphere, space environment, sun, and solid earth, as well as correlative data such as socio-economic data (personally-identifiable information regarding human subjects must be properly protected or removed), related documentation, and metadata. Digital audio or video recordings of environmental phenomena (such as animal sounds or undersea video) are included in this definition. Numerical model outputs (the data produced by computer simulations of environmental processes) are included in this definition, particularly if they are used to support the conclusion of a peer-reviewed publication. Data collected in a laboratory or other controlled environment, such as measurements of animals and chemical processes, are included in this definition. This does not apply to laboratory notebooks, preliminary analyses, drafts of scientific papers, plans for future research, peer review reports, communications with colleagues, or physical objects, such as laboratory specimens.

3. Data Accessibility: Approved submission of data by the contractor to NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), or to a publicly accessible data repository as specified in the approved Data Management Plan, shall be sufficient to satisfy the data accessibility requirement as of the date the submission was performed. The contractor shall notify the NOAA Program Official when data accessibility has been performed. After the acceptance of data by the Government, unless specifically required in the solicitation, Data Management Guidance, and period of performance of the contract, the contractor is not required to maintain the data. Once the performance period for the contract has expired, the contractor is no longer responsible for maintaining this information. If the data are not submitted to NCEI, but are instead made accessible by some other means (e.g., on a web server hosted by the contractor), then the contractor should explain the plan for continued availability after the contract period ends.

4. Timeliness: Data accessibility must occur no later than publication of a peer-reviewed article based on the data, or two years after the data are collected and verified, or two years after the original end date of the contract or order (not including any extensions or follow-on funding), whichever is soonest, unless an extension to the date for data submission has been authorized by the contracting officer in coordination with the NOAA Program Official.

5. Disclaimer: The contractor shall ensure the following statement accompanies data produced under this award and made available to the public: "These data and related items of information have not been formally disseminated by NOAA, and do not represent any agency determination, view, or policy."

6. Failure to Share Data: Failure or delay on the part of the contractor to make environmental data accessible in accordance with the approved Data Management Plan, unless authorized by the contracting officer, may lead to enforcement actions, and will be considered by NOAA when making future award decisions. The contractor is responsible for ensuring subcontractors also meet these conditions.

7. Funding acknowledgement: Federal funding sources shall be identified by the contractor in all scholarly publications. An Acknowledgements section shall be included in the body of the publication stating the relevant contract award number. In addition, funding sources shall be reported during the publication submission process using the FundRef mechanism, located at http://www.crossref.org/fundref/, if supported by the FundRef provides a standard way to report funding sources for published scholarly research.

8. Manuscript submission: The final pre-publication manuscripts of scholarly publications produced with NOAA funding shall be submitted to the NOAA Institutional Repository located at https://repository.library.noaa.gov/welcome after acceptance, and no later than upon publication of the…