1333MF25Q0086 RFQ.pdf

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

(THIS IS NOT AN ORDER)

THIS RFQ IS IS NOT A SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE

15. DATE OF QUOTATION

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11. SCHEDULE (Include applicable Federal, State and local taxes)

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12. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

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5b. FOR INFORMATION CALL (NO COLLECT CALLS)

P.O. BOX 21668

NMFS Field Delegates

601 EAST 12TH STREET SUITE 1746

KANSAS CITY MO 64106

143060-25-00231333MF25Q0086

HEATHER MAHLE

NOAA FISHERIES, ALASKA REGION

99802-1668

08/27/2025

09/11/2025 1600 ED

730 Days After Award

JUNEAU

AK

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OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

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NSN 7540-01-152-8067

1333MF25Q0086

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0001 Services, non-personal, to provide all labor, equipment and materials (unless otherwise provided herein) necessary to provide Cook

Inlet Beluga photo identification services, in accordance with the Performance Work Statement.

Period of Performance 10/01/2025 through

09/30/20027.

Delivery: 730 Days After Award

1333MF25Q0086 BASE

Section III - Description/Specifications Section IX - Contract Clauses

Section III - Description/Specifications

PWS Performance of Work Statement

Performance Work Statement National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) Alaska Region (AKR) Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Photo Identification Study Support Services

I. Background

The National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NOAA Fisheries) Protected Resources Division (PRD) is responsible for implementing marine mammal conservation and recovery programs under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA), including programs for Cook Inlet beluga whales. NOAA Fisheries listed Cook Inlet beluga whales as an endangered species under the ESA in 2008 and designated portions of Cook Inlet as beluga critical habitat in 2011. Despite these efforts, the Cook Inlet beluga whale population is still declining. Although monitoring for abundance estimates and distribution has been previously conducted by aerial surveys, satellite tagging, photo-identification studies, and passive acoustics, more information on life history parameters and habitat use is needed to understand this small beluga whale population better. Previous research studies have confirmed that most beluga whales possess distinct natural marks that persist across years, and these marks can be effectively recorded and identified with digital photography. In recent years, NOAA Fisheries has emphasized the importance of recovering this endangered species by publishing a Recovery Plan[1]1 for Cook Inlet beluga whales, and identifying Cook Inlet beluga whales as one of the eight species under NOAA Fisheries jurisdiction that are at most risk of extinction by including them as one of the Species in the Spotlight[2]2. Information obtained from photo-identification studies can provide critical insight into individual and population characteristics of the Cook Inlet beluga whales, and improve NOAA Fisheries’ conservation and recovery efforts for this species. NOAA Fisheries monitors and manages human activities, which have the potential to take belugas. Given the precarious status of this population, NMFS prefers non-invasive methods for obtaining this information when possible, and photo-identification has improved our understanding of some of these population characteristics to inform management actions or research focus.

This requirement’s purpose is to obtain professional, scientific services to use non-invasive photo-identification techniques to help fill data gaps regarding individual and population characteristics of the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales, to provide information to NOAA

Fisheries which will aid NOAA Fisheries in the management of the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales. NOAA Fisheries may use the information generated from this requirement to update population models, conduct project effects analyses during ESA section 7 consultations, and inform various recovery actions or scientific analyses.

NOAA Fisheries PRD also implements a Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program, and is responsible for coordinating responses to stranded or injured marine mammals. The Contractor must to develop and implement a communication protocol to report any observations of, or information received about, stranded or injured marine mammals in Cook Inlet to the NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region Stranding Coordinator as soon as possible.

Responses to stranded marine mammals must be authorized by the Project Lead and/or Contracting Officer Representative.

II. Period of Performance

The base period is two years, from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2027. The first year is for the field season/data collection and the second year is for documentation, data analysis and report production.

III. Place of Performance

Work will be conducted outside of government facilities (i.e. off-site). Work will primarily be conducted in the field via boat and shore-based surveys in Cook Inlet Alaska; and at the contractor’s office location.

IV. Operational Hours

Operational hours for the work to be performed is at the Contractor’s discretion. For meetings and interactions with government personnel, operational hours are 9:00AM to 5:00PM Alaska Time, Monday through Friday.

V. Tasks

Using non-invasive photographic identification methods, collect and analyze photographic data of Cook Inlet beluga whales, and provide NOAA Fisheries with broad information regarding population demography like survival, reproductive characteristics (e.g., birth rates, calving intervals, age at sexual maturity, sex ratio, etc.), and habitat use, distribution and movements.

The collection of photographs will occur in the vicinity of Cook Inlet, with emphasis towards areas where Cook Inlet beluga whales are known or anticipated to be present during time of image collection. Specific tasks include:

1. Conduct at least 14 photo-id surveys to collect quality identification photos of Cook Inlet beluga whales during the 2026 field season.

2. Incorporate these photographs and their associated data into the existing CIBW Photo-ID

Project catalog (2005-2025) using techniques that have been developed and used by the CIBW Photo-ID Project for the last 21 years.

3. Review select photographs provided by NOAA Fisheries from CIBW strandings or other sources (e.g. extra-limital sightings, historic hunting or tagging photos) collected by NOAA Fisheries or NOAA Fisheries -identified partners during the period of performance, and incorporate any useable photographs and their associated data into the existing CIBW Photo-ID Project catalog. The number of photographs to be analyzed will be determined in a meeting between the project PI and the contract COR and TOR at the end of each field season.

4. Analyze data from the photo-id surveys and the NOAA Fisheries-provided photos (and summarize them in one or more reports to be distributed to NOAA Fisheries and the public, analyzing and reporting the data in a manner consistent with reporting from the previously available years of the CIBW Photo-ID Project (see Deliverables for additional reporting details).

5. Share the results of this study (including the data collected) in accordance with NOAA’s Sharing Directive for NOAA Grants, Cooperative Agreements, and Contracts, version 3.0.

VI. Deliverables

1. Post-Award Meeting with NOAA Fisheries AKR o Contractor shall schedule a meeting (via phone if contractor is not local) with NOAA Fisheries AKR to review the contract, scope of work, and project timeline.

o Due: contact NOAA Fisheries AKR within 5 business days after award to establish an initial meeting date within the following two weeks.

2. Quarterly Progress Reports o Progress reports shall include a summary of the work completed that period, and summarize work still remaining to be completed. Any identified or potential complications should be included.

o DUE: at a minimum, following a quarterly schedule, with the first progress report due 90 days after award of contract.

3. Draft Report(s) o The draft report(s) shall be of peer-review publication quality, and include project information in sufficient detail to allow for use by NOAA Fisheries in management and scientific decisions and actions.

o The Contractor will coordinate with NOAA Fisheries AKR to stagger the submission of the draft report(s) to allow NOAA Fisheries sufficient time for review and provide comments on the document.

o The topics covered by the report(s) are outlined below under “Final Report(s).”

o DUE: To be finalized in post award conference.

4. Final Report(s) o NMFS will have 30 days to review and provide comments on draft report(s).

o The contractor will have 30 days after receipt of comments from NOAA Fisheries AKR to submit the final report(s) o The contractor will coordinate with NOAA Fisheries AKR to stagger the submission of the draft report(s) to allow NMFS sufficient time for review and provide comments on each document.

o DUE: To be finalized in post award conference o The contractor will produce no less than one report to be distributed to NOAA Fisheries and the public, analyzing and reporting the data collected in a manner consistent with reporting from the previous years of the CIBW Photo-ID Project. The report(s) will be formatted to be user-friendly for busy managers and the public, with bullet points, photographs, summaries, and maps of relevant results. The contractor and NOAA Fisheries AKR will collaboratively develop lists of items that will be included in the report(s). The report(s) will focus on the following topics:

1) Spatial and temporal patterns of habitat use by groups and individuals, with emphasis on feeding and reproduction for 2026, and for the composite of all field seasons since 2005;

2) Survival and mortality of identified individuals in 2026;

3) Reproduction of identified individuals in 2026;

4) Post-research monitoring of biopsies and satellite-tagged whales: sighting histories and photographs of wound healing in 2026;

5) Human interactions: observations of human activities (non-research) during beluga surveys and signs of anthropogenic trauma (e.g., entanglement, puncture, ship strike) in 2026; and

6) Summary of annual photo-id survey effort and group information (e.g., size, location, group composition) in 2026.

Deliverable Description Quantity/Media Completion Due Date

1 Post-Award Meeting In-person or virtual meeting October 17, 2025

2 Progress Report

Quarterly written progress reports sent to COR/Technical Lead by email.

Periodic check-in meetings, virtual or in-person

Written Report - Quarterly

Meetings - at 50% and 75% completion of field season and 50% and 75% completion of draft report.

3 Invoice Submitted in IPP Monthly, by the 15th of the following month.

4 Draft Report(s) Draft written report(s) sent to COR/Technical Lead by email.

TBD at Post-Award Meeting

5 Final Report(s) Final written report(s) and associated data sent to COR/Technical Lead by email.

30 days after receipt of NOAA Fisheries comments on Draft Report

VII. Performance Requirements Summary

This contract includes a Performance Requirements Summary (PRS). The PRS plays an integral role in the administration of the contract. In addition to any applicable inspection clauses or other related terms and conditions contained in the contract, the PRS shall serve as a primary tool for inspection and acceptance of services as facilitated by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Evaluation of the Contractor’s overall performance shall be in accordance with the performance standards set forth in the PRS, and will be conducted by the COR. The PRS constitutes a material aspect of the contract and will not be changed or otherwise modified without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

The PRS establishes key elements of Contractor performance that represent “mission essential” service requirements or “Deliverables”, which are identified in the table below in the “Service Output” column. The “Performance Objective” column represents the standard against which Contractor performance will be measured in relation to accomplishment of the corresponding service output. The performance objective or “standard” describes the minimum acceptable level of service by the Contractor for satisfactory performance. The “Acceptable Quality Level (AQL)” column displays the maximum allowable deviation from the performance objective, which, if exceeded, evokes the negative incentive specified in the table below.

Required Services Performance Standard Acceptable

Quality Level Methods of Surveillance Incentive

Successful Project Planning

Demonstration NLT two weeks prior to start of field work that all necessary planning steps for obtaining data necessary for project objectives to be met have been completed, per agreed upon study plan and other contract requirements (e.g., all required permits, equipment, and personnel have been obtained; data sharing plan is in place).

95% Compliance required

Quarterly progress report reviews;

status update meeting 2-weeks prior to start of field work.

Potential for future work and positive CPARS rating

Successful Field Work

Completion of field work and acquisition of sufficient number of

80% completion of the

Quarterly progress report reviews;

Potential for future work and positive

Required Services Performance Standard Acceptable

Quality Level Methods of Surveillance Incentive quality photographs of Cook Inlet beluga whales to allow the project objectives to be met, as outlined in the approved study plan, or a mutually agreed upon revision of the study plan developed as a result of unanticipated issues.

approved study plan periodic inspections (i.e., status update meetings at 50% and 75% completion), and random observations of field activities

CPARS rating

Successful Photo Processing and Data Analysis

Completion of photo processing and data analysis to allow the project objectives to be met, as outlined in the approved study plan, or a mutually agreed upon revision of the study plan developed as a result of unanticipated issues, and to support successful project reporting (see below)

Final report(s) satisfies at least 95% of the items required for this deliverable

Quarterly progress reports include the status of photo processing and data analysis tasks; periodic inspections (i.e., status update meetings at 50% and 75% completion)

Potential for future work and positive CPARS rating

Successful Project Reporting

High quality final report(s) submitted by deliverable due date which meet the requirements outlined in the contract for information to be included in the reports, and which demonstrate project objectives were met. The report(s) will address the topics identified below:

1. Spatial and temporal patterns of habitat use by groups and

Final report(s) satisfies at least 95% of the items required for this deliverable

Quarterly progress report reviews; periodic inspections (i.e., status update meetings at 50% and 75% completion)

Potential for future work and positive CPARS rating

Required Services Performance Standard Acceptable

Quality Level Methods of Surveillance Incentive individuals, with emphasis on feeding and reproduction (for each season, and for the composite of all field seasons since 2005);

2. Survival and mortality of identified individuals;

3. Reproduction of identified individuals;

4. Post-research monitoring of biopsies and satellite-tagged whales:

sighting histories and photographs of wound healing;

5. Human interactions:

observations of human activities (non-research) during beluga surveys and signs of anthropogenic trauma (e.g., entanglement, puncture, ship strike) ; and

6. Summary of annual photo-id survey effort and group information (e.g., size, location, group composition)

VIII. Government-Furnished Resources

The contractor is responsible for providing and maintaining all supplies and equipment necessary for completing the contract; no equipment or supplies shall be furnished by the

Government.

Services Contractor will work primarily: ¿ On-Site X Off-Site Services Contractor requires access to NOAA facilities: ¿ Required X Not Required

Services Contractor requires a PIV or CAC: ¿ Required X Not Required Services Contractor requires a NOAA email address: ¿ Required X Not Required Services Contractor requires use of DOC-Owned IT equipment (laptop or desktop computer) ¿ Required X Not Required

Services Contractor requires non-Government IT equipment to connect to a DOC network: ¿ Required X Not Required

Services Contractor requires access to non-public DOC/NOAA data: ¿ Required X Not Required

Services Contractor will be provided on-site office space with incidental Government Property (desk, chair, phone, and other similar equipment that remains onsite, per FAR 45.000 (5)

¿ Provided X Not Provided

For Services Contractors doing laboratory work, the government will provide typical lab supplies and equipment for use:

¿ Provided X Not Provided

IX. Travel, and Training

a. Training: Contractors are required to complete any NOAA mandated training, as applicable.

b. Travel: Fieldwork to conduct photo surveys is a required part of the contract. Travel to the Anchorage area may be accomplished by ground or air transport. Once in the Anchorage area, the contractor will travel by car and boat to survey locations throughout Cook Inlet. The contractor may also need to travel to NOAA offices or conference locations to participate in meetings and share project results with NOAA and the public. Travel funds are not to exceed $5,000 for the base period. All travel will be approved by the COR or Contracting Officer prior to traveling. Travel must be compliant with Federal Travel Regulations.

X. Special Requirements and Applicable Standards

a. Research Authorization Activities with a potential to harass marine mammals require a permit from NOAA Fisheries, including scientific research. Contractor must have a research permit authorizing any harassment associated with the proposed work prior to start of the field season.

b. Data Sharing The contractor shall propose and clearly articulate a data sharing plan which adequately meets the needs articulated in this performance work statement and which is consistent with NOAA’s

Data Sharing Directive for NOAA Grants, Cooperative Agreements, and Contracts, version 3.0[3]3.

c. Data Compatibility Subtle changes in an individual whale’s marks occur over time, and these gradual changes must be documented in order to recognize and track an individual from one field season to the next.

As such, proposed photo-identification imagery collection and analysis methods must be compatible with methods currently employed by the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Photo- Identification Project so data can be added to the existing long-term photo-identification catalog.[4]4

d. Confidentiality and Data Privacy This contract may require that services contractors have access to Privacy Information. Services contractors are responsible for maintaining confidentiality of all subjects and materials and may be required to sign and adhere to a Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA).

e. Intellectual Property Rights

All deliverables are the property of the U.S. Government. All documents, analyses, files (digital or other), reports, notes and photos are to be used only by Contractor personnel assigned to this purchase order. Documents, files and other data are to be stored exclusively on Government owned equipment and at no point should be saved or archived on personal drives or devices. Copies are not to be disseminated to anyone outside of the NMFS or to any other contractor personnel without explicit release from the Government.

XI. Required Knowledge and Experience:

The Principal Investigator must have a minimum:

¿ A graduate degree (e.g., M.S., Ph.D) in marine mammalogy, wildlife biology or similar field and demonstrated extensive experience in leading and managing long-term photographic identification studies of beluga whales.

¿ Demonstrated ability to maintain the resources, technical expertise, and experience, to undertake completion of the task order ability to meet or exceed the requirements set forth in this Performance Work Statement.

¿ Demonstrated consistent ability to produce high-quality products in a timely manner and the skills, expertise, and experience to meet the needs of NOAA Fisheries.

¿ Personnel experienced in conducting Cook Inlet beluga photo identification work and proficient in the processes and techniques necessary to successfully produce the deliverables detailed in this Performance Work Statement.

XII. Evaluation Factors:

The Government will issue an order resulting from this request for quotation to the responsible offeror whose quotation results in the best value to the Government, considering both price and non-price factors. The following factors will be used to evaluate quotations as defined herein:

Technical Approach and Capability Past Performance Price

[1] For more information about the Recovery Plan go to:

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/recovery-plan-cook-inlet-beluga-whale-delphinapterus-leucas [2] For more information about the Species in the Spotlight go to:

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/endangered-species-conservation/species-in-the-spotlight [3] For details on the NOAA Data Sharing Directive go to: https://nosc.noaa.gov/EDMC/PD.DSP.php [4] Prior photo-ID project reports are available online at https://www.cookinletbelugas.com/ file:///C:/Users/heather.mahle/Downloads/CIB%20Draft%20PWS_7-25-25%20(1).docx%23_ftnref1 https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/recovery-plan-cook-inlet-beluga-whale-delphinapterus-leucas https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/recovery-plan-cook-inlet-beluga-whale-delphinapterus-leucas file:///C:/Users/heather.mahle/Downloads/CIB%20Draft%20PWS_7-25-25%20(1).docx%23_ftnref2 https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/endangered-species-conservation/species-in-the-spotlight file:///C:/Users/heather.mahle/Downloads/CIB%20Draft%20PWS_7-25-25%20(1).docx%23_ftnref3 https://nosc.noaa.gov/EDMC/PD.DSP.php file:///C:/Users/heather.mahle/Downloads/CIB%20Draft%20PWS_7-25-25%20(1).docx%23_ftnref4 https://www.cookinletbelugas.com/

Section IX - Contract Clauses

Standard Language UTILIZATION OF FEDCONNECT FOR CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

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

FAR 52.204-7 System for Award Management. (NOV 2024)

FAR 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance. (OCT 2018)

FAR 52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting. (AUG 2020)

FAR 52.204-17 Ownership or Control of Offeror. (AUG 2020)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision-

Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code means-

(1) An identifier assigned to entities located in the United States or its outlying areas by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Branch to identify a commercial or government entity by unique location; or

(2) An identifier assigned by a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to entities located outside the United States and its outlying areas that the DLA Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Branch records and maintains in the CAGE master file. This type of code is known as a NATO CAGE (NCAGE) code.

Highest-level owner means the entity that owns or controls an immediate owner of the offeror, or that owns or controls one or more entities that control an immediate owner of the offeror.

No entity owns or exercises control of the highest level owner.

Immediate owner means an entity, other than the offeror, that has direct control of the offeror.

Indicators of control include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: Ownership or interlocking management, identity of interests among family members, shared facilities and equipment, and the common use of employees.

(b) The Offeror represents that it [ ] has or [ ] does not have an immediate owner. If the Offeror has more than one immediate owner (such as a joint venture), then the Offeror shall respond to paragraph (c) and if applicable, paragraph (d) of this provision for each participant in the joint venture.

(c) If the Offeror indicates "has" in paragraph (b) of this provision, enter the following information:

Immediate owner CAGE code: [ ]

Immediate owner legal name: [ (Do not use a "doing business as" name)]

Is the immediate owner owned or controlled by another entity?: [ ] Yes or [ ] No.

(d) If the Offeror indicates "yes" in paragraph (c) of this provision, indicating that the immediate owner is owned or controlled by another entity, then enter the following information:

Highest-level owner CAGE code: [ ]

Highest-level owner legal name: [(Do not use a "doing business as" name)]

(End of provision)

FAR 52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance. (AUG 2020)

FAR 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (NOV 2021)

The Offeror shall not complete the representation at paragraph (d)(1) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument" in paragraph (c)(1) in the provision at 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation, or in paragraph (v)(2)(i) of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

The Offeror shall not complete the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services" in paragraph (c)(2) of the provision at 52.204-26, or in paragraph (v)(2)(ii) of the provision at 52.212-3.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision-

Backhaul, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, interconnection arrangements, reasonable inquiry, roaming, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

(b) Prohibition. (1) Section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2019, from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to-

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(2) Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2020, from entering into a contract or extending or renewing a contract with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. This prohibition applies to the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, regardless of whether that use is in performance of work under a Federal contract. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to-

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(c) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for "covered telecommunications equipment or services."

(d) Representations. The Offeror represents that-

(1) It [ ] will, [ ] will not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract or other contractual instrument resulting from this solicitation. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(1) of this section if the Offeror responds "will" in paragraph (d)(1) of this section; and

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry, for purposes of this representation, the Offeror represents that-

It [ ] does, [ ] does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(2) of this section if the Offeror responds "does" in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(e) Disclosures. (1) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "will" in the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment-

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services-

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the Product Service Code (PSC) of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(2) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "does" in the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment-

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services-

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the PSC of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(End of provision)

FAR 52.204-29 Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders-Representation and Disclosures.

(DEC 2023)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision, Covered article, FASCSA order, Intelligence community, National security system, Reasonable inquiry, Sensitive compartmented information, Sensitive compartmented information system, and Source have the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-30, Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders-Prohibition.

(b) Prohibition. Contractors are prohibited from providing or using as part of the performance of the contract any covered article, or any products or services produced or provided by a source, if the prohibition is set out in an applicable Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act (FASCSA) order, as described in paragraph (b)(1) of FAR 52.204-30, Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders-Prohibition.

(c) Procedures. (1) The Offeror shall search for the phrase "FASCSA order" in the System for Award Management (SAM)(https://www.sam.gov) for any covered article, or any products or services produced or provided by a source, if there is an applicable FASCSA order described in paragraph (b)(1) of FAR 52.204-30, Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders- Prohibition.

(2) The Offeror shall review the solicitation for any FASCSA orders that are not in SAM, but are effective and do apply to the solicitation and resultant contract (see FAR 4.2303(c)(2)).

(3) FASCSA orders issued after the date of solicitation do not apply unless added by an amendment to the solicitation.

(d) Representation. By submission of this offer, the offeror represents that it has conducted a reasonable inquiry, and that the offeror does not propose to provide or use in response to this solicitation any covered article, or any products or services produced or provided by a source, if the covered article or the source is prohibited by an applicable FASCSA order in effect on the date the solicitation was issued, except as waived by the solicitation, or as disclosed in paragraph (e).

(e) Disclosures. The purpose for this disclosure is so the Government may decide whether to issue a waiver. For any covered article, or any products or services produced or provided by a source, if the covered article or the source is subject to an applicable FASCSA order, and the Offeror is unable to represent compliance, then the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(1) Name of the product or service provided to the Government;

(2) Name of the covered article or source subject to a FASCSA order;

(3) If applicable, name of the vendor, including the Commercial and Government Entity code and unique entity identifier (if known), that supplied the covered article or the product or service to the Offeror;

(4) Brand;

(5) Model number (original equipment manufacturer number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number);

(6) Item description;

(7) Reason why the applicable covered article or the product or service is being provided or used;

(f) Executive agency review of disclosures. The contracting officer will review disclosures provided in paragraph (e) to determine if any waiver may be sought. A contracting officer may choose not to pursue a waiver for covered articles or sources otherwise subject to a FASCSA order and may instead make an award to an offeror that does not require a waiver.

(End of provision)

FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (SEP 2023)

NOTICE TO OFFERORS: Instructions for submitting quotations under this request for quote must be followed. Failure to provide all information to aid in the evaluation may be considered non-responsive.

Offers that are non-responsive may be excluded from further evaluation and rejected without further notification to the offeror.

1. Submit PDF or Microsoft Word format quotations to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the time specified in the solicitation. Quote documents shall include signed copies of the SF 18 and SF 30(s) to acknowledge the solicitation and any applicable amendments. Email quotes are required and can be sent to heather.mahle@noaa.gov.

2. Offeror shall have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM found at https://sam.gov/content/home) in order to provide a quote and be eligible for award. Must provide their UEID/CAGE CODE with their quote.

3. Offerors shall assume that the Government has no prior knowledge of them or their capability.

4. Offerors must provide all evaluation criteria in accordance with FAR 52.212-2. Offerors who do not provide all evaluation criteria may not be considered.

1. Technical Approach and Capability.

2. Past Performance.

3. Price.

“THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR NON-RECEIPT OF QUOTES.

IT IS THE CONTRACTOR’S RESPONSIBILITY TO REQUEST AND RECEIVE A

CONFIRMATION OF THE QUOTE RECEIPT”.

(End Clause)

FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation - Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (NOV 2021)

Offers will be evaluated based on price and the factors set forth in paragraph (a).

The evaluation will consider the Non-Price Technical Solution (Technical Approach and Past Performance) to be significantly more important than price. However, as quotes are determined to be more equal in the non-price evaluation factor, price becomes more important and may become the determining factor for award. If, at any stage of the evaluation, all vendors are determined to have submitted equal, or virtually equal, Non-Price Technical Solutions, price could become the factor in determining which vendor will receive the award.

The Government intends to evaluate the quotes and award a purchase order based on the Offeror’s initial quote; therefore, the Offeror’s initial quote should contain the Offeror’s best terms from a Non- Price Technical Solution and price standpoint.

The Government reserves the right not to award a purchase order depending on the quality of the quote(s) submitted and the availability of funds. Furthermore, the Government may waive informalities and minor irregularities or omissions in quotes received.

The Government may make award to other than the lowest-priced Offeror or the Offeror with the highest technical rating if the Contracting Officer determines that to do so would result in the best value to the Government. The Government will not make an award at a significantly higher overall price to achieve only slightly superior performance capability.

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered.

Paragraph (a) is hereby completed as follows: Evaluation will be based on the following:

1. Technical Approach and Capability.

The Offeror’s overall technical approach will be evaluated to assess the Government's level of confidence in the Offeror’s understanding of, approach to, and ability to successfully perform the requirements as described in the Statement of Work. Provide a detailed description of the company’s experience performing similar services. A detailed technical approach write-up describing how the Offeror will perform this service is required to be submitted with the quote regardless of whether a site visit was made or not. The technical approach write-up must not be a reiteration of the Statement of Work, but how your company plans on performing the tasks listed in the attached Statement of Work. (i.e. performance checklists, anticipated number of employees, anticipated hours at the facility and/or confirmation of supplies being provided, etc.)

2. Past Performance.

Quote shall include at least two references from at least two separate contracts for similar and relevant recent services within the past two years including the name, phone number, full address, and e-mail address of the reference to demonstrate the offeror’s capability to successfully perform the services listed in the Statement of Work.

The offeror is required to fill out blocks 1-4 and send the attached Past Performance Questionnaire to the references provided by the offeror in their submission. The references should complete the Past Performance Questionnaire and then email it directly to heather.mahle@noaa.gov by the closing date and time of this solicitation. The Government reserves the right to consider past performance report forms received after the due date and time of the solicitation, past performance questionnaires submitted from previous solicitations, and to contact references for verification or additional information.

The Offeror's past performance on related contracts will be evaluated to determine, as appropriate, successful performance of contract requirements, quality and timeliness of delivery of goods and services, cost management, communications between contracting parties, proactive management and customer satisfaction. The Government will use its discretion to determine the sources of past performance information used in the evaluation, and the information may be obtained from references provided by the Offeror, the agency’s knowledge of Offeror performance, other government agencies or commercial entities, or past performance databases, and will be based on responsiveness, quality, and customer services.

Offerors lacking relevant past performance history, or for whom past performance information is either not available or has not been submitted to the Government, will receive a neutral rating for past performance. A good past performance rating provides higher confidence than a neutral or satisfactory rating.

3. Price.

The Government will evaluate the price quote for completeness and reasonableness in relation to the RFQ requirements. Quoted prices must be entirely compatible with the Non-Price Technical Solution.

(End of Clause)

FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (MAY 2024)

The Offeror shall complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the Offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically in the System for Award Management (SAM) accessed through https://www.sam.gov. If the Offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically, the Offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (v) of this provision.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision-

Covered telecommunications equipment or services has the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) concern means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States and who are economically disadvantaged in accordance with 13 CFR part 127, and the concern is certified by SBA or an approved third-party certifier in accordance with 13 CFR 127.300. It automatically qualifies as a women-owned small business eligible under the WOSB Program.

Forced or indentured child labor means all work or service-

(1) Exacted from any person under the age of 18 under the menace of any penalty for its nonperformance and for which the worker does not offer himself voluntarily; or

(2) Performed by any person under the age of 18 pursuant to a contract the enforcement of which can be accomplished by process or penalties.

Highest-level owner means the entity that owns or controls an immediate owner of the offeror, or that owns or controls one or more entities that control an immediate owner of the offeror.

No entity owns or exercises control of the highest level owner.

Immediate owner means an entity, other than the offeror, that has direct control of the offeror.

Indicators of control include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: Ownership or interlocking management, identity of interests among family members, shared facilities and equipment, and the common use of employees.

Inverted domestic corporation means a foreign incorporated entity that meets the definition of an inverted domestic corporation under 6 U.S.C. 395(b), applied in accordance with the rules and definitions of 6 U.S.C. 395(c).

Manufactured end product means any end product in product and service codes (PSCs) 1000- 9999, except-

(1) PSC 5510, Lumber and Related Basic Wood Materials;

(2) Product or Service Group (PSG) 87, Agricultural Supplies;

(3) PSG 88, Live Animals;

(4) PSG 89, Subsistence;

(5) PSC 9410, Crude Grades of Plant Materials;

(6) PSC 9430, Miscellaneous Crude Animal Products, Inedible;

(7) PSC 9440, Miscellaneous Crude Agricultural and Forestry Products;

(8) PSC 9610, Ores;

(9) PSC 9620, Minerals, Natural and Synthetic; and

(10) PSC 9630, Additive Metal Materials.

Place of manufacture means the place where an end product is assembled out of components, or otherwise made or processed from raw materials into the finished product that is to be provided to the Government. If a product is disassembled and reassembled, the place of reassembly is not the place of manufacture.

Predecessor means an entity that is replaced by a successor and includes any predecessors of the predecessor.

Reasonable inquiry has the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

Restricted business operations means business operations in Sudan that include power production activities, mineral extraction activities, oil-related activities, or the production of military equipment, as those terms are defined in the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-174). Restricted business operations do not include business operations that the person (as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007) conducting the business can demonstrate-

(1) Are conducted under contract directly and exclusively with the regional government of southern Sudan;

(2) Are conducted pursuant to specific authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the Department of the Treasury, or are expressly exempted under Federal law from the requirement to be conducted under such authorization;

(3) Consist of providing goods or services to marginalized populations of Sudan;

(4) Consist of providing goods or services to an internationally recognized…