Sol_140G0224Q0043.pdf

140G0224Q0043

1. REQUEST NO.

5a. ISSUED BY

NAME

a. NAME

c. STREET ADDRESS

d. CITY

10. PLEASE FURNISH QUOTATIONS TO

THE ISSUING OFFICE IN BLOCK 5a ON

OR BEFORE CLOSE OF BUSINESS (Date)

2. DATE ISSUED 3. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NO. 4. CERT. FOR NAT. DEF.

UNDER BDSA REG. 2

AND/OR DMS REG.1

RATING

6. DELIVERY BY (Date)

7. DELIVERY

9. DESTINATION

a. NAME OF CONSIGNEE

b. STREET ADDRESS

PAGE OF PAGES

5b. FOR INFORMATION CALL: (No collect calls)

TELEPHONE NUMBER

AREA CODE NUMBER

8. TO:

b. COMPANY

e. STATE f. ZIP CODE

c. CITY

d. STATE e. ZIP CODE

IMPORTANT: This is a request for information, and quotations furnished are not offers. If you are unable to quote, please so indicate on this form and return it to the address in Block 5a. This request does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of the submission of this quotation or to contract for supplies or services. Supplies are of domestic origin unless otherwise indicated by quoter. Any representations and/or certifications attached to this Request for Quotations must be completed by the quoter.

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

THIS RFQ

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

(THIS IS NOT AN ORDER)

IS IS NOT A SMALL BUSINESS SET ASIDEX

02/15/2024 0040645311

1 23

PO BOX 25046

204 DENVER FEDERAL CENTER

DENVER CO 80225-0046

USGS OAG DENVER ACQUISITION BRANCH

USGS ESP Team

MS 980

Box 25046 Denver Federal Center

Denver

CO 80225

303 236-9319Khadija Osman

02/23/2024 1700 MS

FOB DESTINATION

OTHER

(See Schedule)X

ITEM NO.

(a)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(b)

QUANTITY

(c)

UNIT

(d)

UNIT PRICE

(e)

AMOUNT

(f)

Period of Performance: 03/04/2024 to 03/03/2025

00010 Sub-Fossil Pollen Analysis

Period of Performance will be 1 year from date of award.

Services, non-personal to provide all plant, equipment, labor and materials (unless otherwise provided herein) necessary to provide laboratory analysis in accordance with the attached performance work statement.

Pollen Processing Price per Unit:

Continued ...

12. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

a. 10 CALENDAR DAYS (%) b. 20 CALENDAR DAYS (%) c. 30 CALENDAR DAYS (%) d. CALENDAR DAYS

NUMBER PERCENTAGE

NOTE: Additional provisions and representations

13. NAME AND ADDRESS OF QUOTER

b. STREET ADDRESS

c. COUNTY

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE

14. SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO

SIGN QUOTATION

16. SIGNER

a. NAME (Type or print)

c. TITLE (Type or print)

a. NAME OF QUOTER

AREA CODE

NUMBER

15. DATE OF QUOTATION

b. TELEPHONE are are not attached

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition not usable

STANDARD FORM 18 (REV. 6-95)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.215-1(a)

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

2 23

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

140G0224Q0043

Pollen Counting Price per Unit:

TOTAL:

Product/Service Code: B529

Product/Service Description: SPECIAL

STUDIES/ANALYSIS- SCIENTIFIC DATA

Quotes and all questions shall be submitted via email to Khadija Osman at kosman@usgs.gov.

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT

STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS. (DEC 2023)

GS0339 – Green Acquisition (JUL 2018)

GS0925 Unscheduled Closures - Fixed Price (MAR 2003)

GS1101 Contract Administration Office (Jul 2001)

GS1131 Unilateral Deobligation of Unexpended Funds (MAY 2013)

GS1338 Notice to the Government of Delays JUL 2001

Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements - Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) (APR 2013)

PROVISIONS

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

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

Evaluation Factors:

BASIS OF AWARD

Question Cutoff

Quotation Submission

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

US Geological Survey Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The USGS requires the processing of lake-sediment samples and analysis of sub-fossil pollen for research seeking to understand the long-term dynamics among climate change, wildfire, and human impacts in forest ecosystems of the Southern Rocky Mountains.

2.0 BACKGROUND

Drought and fire are powerful agents of change in forests of the western US. Over the last decade, observed increases in fire size and severity coincided with warming, drought, and earlier snowmelt, factors that projected climatic changes are likely to exacerbate. Therefore, managing western forests in a warming climate requires understanding factors that (1) promote ecological resiliency and (2) thresholds for ecological change. Long-term data are crucial for developing such understanding. Recent observations are brief relative to the lifespans of trees and include limited examples of rare events that can define successional processes for decades (e.g., sustained droughts, extensive fires, episodic regeneration).

The USGS Climate Research & Development Program funds reconstructions of past ecological changes that span tens to thousands of years. Analysis of sub-fossil pollen preserved in geological archives such as lake sediments is a prominent technique used to understand long-term changes in forest ecosystems. Lake sediment are first treated to remove non-pollen materials. Pollen analysis is then performed by specialists who identify and count individual pollen grains on microscope slides. Pollen counts are used to reconstruct past vegetation dynamics. When combined with evidence of past disturbance (e.g., abundance of sedimentary charcoal) or climate change (e.g., isotopic composition of lake sediments), pollen data can provide quantitative understanding of the drivers and consequences of vegetation change.

3.0 SCOPE

Pollen processing and pollen and microscopic charcoal counts are sought for sediment samples from lakes in the Southern Rocky Mountains of New Mexico and Colorado. Data will (1) be used to reconstruct vegetation changes during the Holocene in the Southern Rocky Mountains, and (2) be used for quantitative analysis of interactions among climate, wildfire, humans, and vegetation. Pollen counts for 50 – 100 samples are planned for each year of the contract, with

100 samples required in the first year. USGS personnel will subsample the sediment cores, and provide sediment samples for processing and analysis.

4.0 REQUIRED TASKS

Task 1: The contractor will receive unprocessed sediment samples of known volume and follow a standard pollen processing protocol to isolate pollen, spores, and microscopic charcoal for counting. A known quantity of an exotic tracer (e.g., Lycopodium spores) will be added to each sample.

Task 2: The contractor will mount pollen samples on slides and count pollen and exotic under a microscope. Counting will proceed to a minimum of 300 pollen grains per sample and use high taxonomic specificity, including the identification of different types of Pinus pollen (i.e., separation of P. ponderosa, P. monticola, and P. edulis types), and non-pollen palynomorphs (e.g., Sporomiella).

Task 3: The contractor will count microscopic charcoal and exotic on each pollen slide for charcoal analysis. Counting will proceed until a minimum count of 200 microscopic charcoal particles per slide is reached.

Task 4: The contractor will record all pollen counts electronically or on paper counting sheets, and enter counts into a spreadsheet format (e.g., Tilia). Counts should be clearly labeled with the sample depth.

Task 5: The contractor shall return all leftover sample materials for archiving by the USGS upon completion of the work.

4.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS N/A

5.0 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

The contractor will provide facilities to perform the chemical processing of pollen samples and pollen counting including a microscope for pollen analysis. Preference will be given to an analyst near the Denver Federal Center so that the analyst may be readily engaged in the interpretation of results through in-person meetings. For consistency among samples, we require that a single analyst completes all pollen counts. This aspect is critical given the need for quantitative analysis of the pollen counts, including time-series analysis that combines pollen with other paleoecological proxies. Strong preference will be given to contractors who have previously provided pollen analysis for the USGS. The pollen analyst will be an expert the analysis of pollen from sedimentary archives, as demonstrated by peer-reviewed scientific publications.

6.0 DELIVERABLES

The contractor will provide spreadsheets of all pollen and microscopic charcoal counts. The USGS may ask for delivery of a portion of the counts in electronic form before the completion of all work.

7.0 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND MONITORING METHODS

The completion of counts for the Holocene vegetation overview will be used to assess performance by the contractor. Successful completion of the overview will result in additional samples for high temporal-resolution analyses. The USGS may ask for delivery of a portion of the counts in electronic form before the completion of all work.

8.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance of the tasks detailed above will be for One year.

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available.

Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this address:

http://www.acquisition.gov/far/

52.204-7 System for Award Management. (OCT 2018)

52-204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (OCT 2018)

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

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

52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items (NOV 2023)

52.232-1 Payments (APR 1984)

52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations (JUN 2013)

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

52.233-1 Disputes (MAY 2014)

52.246-4 Inspection of Services-Fixed-Price (AUG 1996) http://www.acquisition.gov/far/

52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT

STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS. (DEC 2023)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

(1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(2) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Nov 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L.

115-91).

(3) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (Nov 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(4) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Nov 2015).

(5) 52.232-40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) ( 31 U.S.C. 3903 and 10 U.S.C. 3801).

(6) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (Aug 1996) ( 31 U.S.C. 3553).

(7) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004) (Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 ( 19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

☐(1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Jun 2020), with Alternate I (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 4655).

☐(2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C.

3509)).

☐(3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Jun 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.)

☒(4) 52.203-17, Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023) ( 41 U.S.C. 4712); this clause does not apply to contracts of DoD, NASA, the Coast Guard, or applicable elements of the intelligence community—see FAR 3.900(a).

☐(5) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Jun 2020) (Pub. L. 109-282) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

☐(6) [Reserved].

☐(7) 52.204-14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (Oct 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

☒(8) 52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (Oct 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

☒(9) 52.204-27, Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application (Jun 2023) (Section 102 of Division R of Pub. L. 117-328).

☐(10) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (Nov 2021) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

☐(11) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018) ( 41 U.S.C. 2313).

☐(12) [Reserved].

☐(13) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (Oct 2022) ( 15 U.S.C.

657a).

☐(14) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) ( 15 U.S.C. 657a).

☒(15) [Reserved]

☐(16) (i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2020) ( 15 U.S.C. 644).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-6.

☐(17) (i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2020) ( 15 U.S.C. 644).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-7.

☐(18) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Sep 2023) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)).

☐(19) (i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Sep 2023) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9.

☐(iii) Alternate II (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9.

☐(iv) Alternate III (Jun 2020) of 52.219-9.

☐(v) Alternate IV (Sep 2023) of 52.219-9.

☐(20) (i) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (Mar 2020) ( 15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-13.

☐(21) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (Oct 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 637s).

☐(22) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan (Sep 2021) ( 15 U.S.C.

637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

☒(23) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (Oct 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 657f).

☐(24) (i) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (Sep 2023)( 15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-28.

☐(25) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

☐(26) 52.219-30, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Women-Owned Small Business Concerns Eligible Under the Women-Owned Small Business Program (Oct 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

☐(27) 52.219-32, Orders Issued Directly Under Small Business Reserves (Mar 2020) ( 15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

☐(28) 52.219-33, Nonmanufacturer Rule (Sep 2021) ( 15U.S.C. 637(a)(17)).

☒(29) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (Jun 2003) (E.O.11755).

☒(30) 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Dec 2022) (E.O.13126).

☒(31) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).

☐(32) (i) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sep 2016) (E.O.11246).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Feb 1999) of 52.222-26.

☒(33) (i) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Jun 2020) ( 38 U.S.C. 4212).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-35.

☐(34) (i) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jun 2020) ( 29 U.S.C.

793).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-36.

☐(35) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (Jun 2020) ( 38 U.S.C. 4212).

☒(36) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496).

☐(37) (i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2021) ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2015) of 52.222-50 ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

☐(38) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (May 2022) (Executive Order 12989).

(Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial products or commercial services as prescribed in FAR 22.1803.)

☐(39) (i) 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA–Designated Items (May 2008) ( 42 U.S.C. 6962(c)(3)(A)(ii)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

☐(ii) Alternate I (May 2008) of 52.223-9 ( 42 U.S.C. 6962(i)(2)(C)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

☐(40) 52.223-11, Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).

☐(41) 52.223-12, Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).

☐(42) (i) 52.223-13, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Imaging Equipment (Jun 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Oct 2015) of 52.223-13.

☐(43) (i) 52.223-14, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Televisions (Jun 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Jun2014) of 52.223-14.

☐(44) 52.223-15, Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products (May 2020) ( 42 U.S.C.

8259b).

☒(45) (i) 52.223-16, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Personal Computer Products (Oct 2015) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Jun 2014) of 52.223-16.

☐(46) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (Jun 2020) (E.O. 13513).

☐(47) 52.223-20, Aerosols (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).

☒(48) 52.223-21, Foams (Jun2016) (E.O. 13693).

☐(49) (i) 52.224-3 Privacy Training (Jan 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552 a).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Jan 2017) of 52.224-3.

☐(50) (i) 52.225-1, Buy American-Supplies (Oct 2022) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 83).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Oct 2022) of 52.225-1.

☐(51) (i) 52.225-3, Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act (Dec 2022) ( 19 U.S.C. 3301 note, 19 U.S.C. 2112 note, 19 U.S.C. 3805 note, 19 U.S.C. 4001 note, 19 U.S.C.

chapter 29 (sections 4501-4732), Public Law 103-182, 108-77, 108-78, 108-286, 108-302, 109- 53, 109-169, 109-283, 110-138, 112-41, 112-42, and 112-43.

☐(ii) Alternate I [Reserved].

☐(iii) Alternate II (Dec 2022) of 52.225-3.

☐(iv) Alternate III (Jan 2021) of 52.225-3.

☐(v) Alternate IV (Oct 2022) of 52.225-3.

☒(52) 52.225-5, Trade Agreements (Dec 2022) ( 19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note).

☐(53) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (Feb 2021) (E.O.’s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).

☐(54) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. Subtitle A, Part V, Subpart G Note).

☐(55) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov 2007) ( 42 U.S.C. 5150).

☐(56) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Nov2007) ( 42 U.S.C. 5150).

☐(57) 52.229-12, Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements (Feb 2021).

☐(58) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 3805).

☒(59) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 3805).

☐(60) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management (Oct2018) ( 31 U.S.C. 3332).

☐(61) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Other than System for Award Management (Jul 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

☐(62) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (May 2014) ( 31 U.S.C. 3332).

☐(63) 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (Aug 1996) ( 5 U.S.C. 552a).

☐(64) 52.242-5, Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Jan 2017) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(13)).

☐(65) (i) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Nov 2021) ( 46 U.S.C. 55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Apr 2003) of 52.247-64.

☐(iii) Alternate II (Nov 2021) of 52.247-64.

(c) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (c), applicable to commercial services, that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

☒(1) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter67).

☒(2) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014) ( 29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

☐(3) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (Aug 2018) ( 29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C.

chapter 67).

☐(4) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (May 2014) ( 29U.S.C.206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

☐(5) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

☐(6) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

☒(7) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (Jan 2022).

☒(8) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022) (E.O. 13706).

☐(9) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (Jun 2020) ( 42 U.S.C. 1792).

(d) Comptroller General Examination of Record. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of this paragraph (d) if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid, is in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, as defined in FAR 2.101, on the date of award of this contract, and does not contain the clause at 52.215-2, Audit and Records-Negotiation.

(1) The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative of the Comptroller General, shall have access to and right to examine any of the Contractor’s directly pertinent records involving transactions related to this contract.

(2) The Contractor shall make available at its offices at all reasonable times the records, materials, and other evidence for examination, audit, or reproduction, until 3 years after final payment under this contract or for any shorter period specified in FAR subpart 4.7, Contractor Records Retention, of the other clauses of this contract. If this contract is completely or partially terminated, the records relating to the work terminated shall be made available for 3 years after any resulting final termination settlement. Records relating to appeals under the disputes clause or to litigation or the settlement of claims arising under or relating to this contract shall be made available until such appeals, litigation, or claims are finally resolved.

(3) As used in this clause, records include books, documents, accounting procedures and practices, and other data, regardless of type and regardless of form. This does not require the Contractor to create or maintain any record that the Contractor does not maintain in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to a provision of law.

(e)

(1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this clause, the Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause, other than those in this paragraph (e)(1), in a subcontract for commercial products or commercial services. Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause-

(i) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 3509).

(ii) 52.203-17, Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023) ( 41 U.S.C. 4712).

(iii) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(iv) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Nov 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L.

115-91).

(v) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (Nov 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(vi) 52.204-27, Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application (Jun 2023) (Section 102 of Division R of Pub. L. 117-328).

(vii) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Sep 2023) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)), in all subcontracts that offer further subcontracting opportunities. If the subcontract (except subcontracts to small business concerns) exceeds the applicable threshold specified in FAR 19.702(a) on the date of subcontract award, the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities.

(viii) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).

(ix) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sep 2015) (E.O.11246).

(x) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Jun 2020) ( 38 U.S.C. 4212).

(xi) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jun 2020) ( 29 U.S.C. 793).

(xii) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (Jun 2020) ( 38 U.S.C. 4212).

(xiii) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (f) of FAR clause 52.222-40.

(xiv) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xv)

(A) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2021) ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O 13627).

(B) Alternate I (Mar 2015) of 52.222-50 ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

(xvi) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xvii) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xviii) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (May 2022) (E.O. 12989).

(xix) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (Jan 2022).

(xx) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022) (E.O. 13706).

(xxi)

(A) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (Jan 2017) ( 5 U.S.C. 552a).

(B) Alternate I (Jan 2017) of 52.224-3.

(xxii) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. Subtitle A, Part V, Subpart G Note).

(xxiii) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (Jun 2020) ( 42 U.S.C. 1792). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6.

(xxiv) 52.232-40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) ( 31 U.S.C. 3903 and 10 U.S.C. 3801). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (c) of 52.232-40.

(xxv) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Nov 2021) ( 46 U.S.C. 55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (d) of FAR clause 52.247-64.

(2) While not required, the Contractor may include in its subcontracts for commercial products and commercial services a minimal number of additional clauses necessary to satisfy its contractual obligations.

(End of clause)

GS0339 – Green Acquisition (JUL 2018)

The USGS is committed to promoting the natural environment and protecting the health and well-being of people. In the performance of work under this contract, the Contractor shall exert its best efforts to provide services in a manner that will promote the natural environment and protect health and well-being. Green purchasing or environmentally preferable contracting included the initiatives described below:

Alternative Fuels and Vehicles are described at http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/

Biobased Products are described at http://www.biopreferred.gov/

Energy efficient products are described at http://energystar.gov/products for Energy Star products and at http://www.eere.energy.gov/femp/procurement for FEMP designated products.

Environmentally Preferable Computers are described at http://www.epeat.net

Non-Ozone Depleting Products are described at http://www.epa.gov/Ozone/snap/index.html

Recycled Products are described at http://epa.gov/cpg

GS0925 Unscheduled Closures - Fixed Price (MAR 2003) http://epa.gov/cpg

(a) The USGS facility where contractor employees are working may occasionally be closed temporarily and federal employees dismissed, such as for inclement weather, holiday early closings, power outages, or other emergencies.

In these cases, the Contracting Officer or COR will advise the contractor whether any of the contractor's activities on Government facilities are considered critical and require continued performance. In most cases, the Contractor will be required to dismiss employees at Government facilities who are performing noncritical tasks after federal employees are dismissed.

(b) If the unscheduled closure causes an increase in the cost of contract performance or if any contract term or condition is affected by the closure, the Contractor may request an adjustment pursuant to Clause FAR 52.242-17 Government Delay of Work.

(c) Contractor performance at locations that are not affected by the unscheduled closure will not be subject to this clause.

GS1101 Contract Administration Office (Jul 2001)

(a) This contract will be administered by: TBD at time of award

U.S. Geological Survey Office of Acquisition and Grants Attn [ ] Telephone: [ ]

(b) Written communications to the Administrative Contracting Officer shall make reference to the contract number and shall be mailed to the above address.

GS1131 Unilateral Deobligation of Unexpended Funds (MAY 2013)

The contractor shall submit all invoices under the award no later than 90 calendar days after the period of performance has expired, unless a request for extension has been submitted to the Contracting Officer. After 120 days has passed since the expiration of the performance period, the government reserves the right to issue a unilateral modification deobligating any unexpended funds, and to initiate closeout procedures.

GS1338 Notice to the Government of Delays JUL 2001

In the event the contractor encounters difficulty in meeting performance requirements, or when it anticipates difficulty in complying with the contract delivery schedule or date, or whenever the contractor has knowledge that any actual or potential situation is delaying or threatens to delay the timely performance of this contract, the contractor shall immediately notify the contracting officer and the COR (if one has been designated), in writing, giving pertinent details. This data shall be informational only in character. Notice under this provision shall not be construed as a waiver by the Government of any delivery schedule or date or of any rights or remedies provided by law or under this contract.

Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements - Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) (APR 2013)

Payment requests must be submitted electronically through the U. S. Department of the Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform System (IPP).

"Payment request" means any request for contract financing payment or invoice payment by the Contractor. To constitute a proper invoice, the payment request must comply with the requirements identified in the applicable Prompt Payment clause included in the contract, or the clause 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items included in commercial item contracts. The IPP website address is: https://www.ipp.gov.

Under this contract, the following documents are required to be submitted as an attachment to the IPP invoice [CO to edit and include the documentation required under this contract]:

The Contractor must use the IPP website to register access and use IPP for submitting requests for payment. The Contractor Government Business Point of Contact (as listed in SAM will receive enrollment instructions via email from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston (FRBB) within 3 - 5 business days of the contract award date. Contractor assistance with enrollment can be obtained by contacting the IPP Production Helpdesk via email ippgroup@bos.frb.org or phone (866) 973-3131.

If the Contractor is unable to comply with the requirement to use IPP for submitting invoices for payment, the Contractor must submit a waiver request in writing to the Contracting Officer with its proposal or quotation.

PROVISIONS

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 or 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— https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.204-26#FAR_52_204_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.212-3#FAR_52_212_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.204-26#FAR_52_204_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.212-3#FAR_52_212_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.204-25#FAR_52_204_25

(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) Representation. 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— https://www.sam.gov/

(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.

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/

52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation (JAN 2017)

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

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

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Items. (SEP 2023)

52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Items. (NOV 2023)

52.219-1 Small Business Program Representations (SEP 2023)

52.222-22 Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports (FEB 1999)

52.222-25 Affirmative Action Compliance (APR 1984)

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

Evaluation Factors:

Contracting officer will conduct a comparative evaluations of offers (comparing offers to each other), to select the contractor that is best suited and provides the best value, considering the evaluation factors in this solicitation. Evaluation of other factors may be based on the following non-price or non-cost factors.

Factor (A) Technical Performance:

Capability and technical merit to perform analysis of USGS environmental samples using analytical methods and procedures specified in the Performance Work Statement and meeting performance requirements specified in the Performance Work Statement will be evaluated.

Sellers must demonstrate a record of producing Holocene pollen records of the quality required for scientific publications. Sellers shall demonstrate this expertise through a list of references to articles in established, peer reviewed scientific journals that rely on pollen data generated by the pollen analyst who will count the pollen samples.

Factor (B) Past Performance:

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/

Sellers shall submit not less than two references for services performed during the past three years. Each reference shall include: the company or agency name, address, contract or order number, point(s) of contract phone number and email address(es). References provided may be contacted by the Government. Their statements will be used in the evaluation of the offeror’s quotation. In addition, any information obtained by the Government from references outside of the offeror’s quotation may also be used, in a similar manner, in the technical evaluation of the offeror’s quotation to the extent appropriate. Past performance information provided by references, from Government records, or from other than the sources identified by the offeror may be used in the evaluation under any or all applicable evaluation factors. All past performance information will be used for both the responsibility determination and the best value decision. Government, overall technical merit will be considered more important than price or cost. The degree of importance of price or cost as an evaluation factor will increase with the degree of equality in the technical merits of the quotations. Between acceptable quotations with a significant difference in technical merit, a determination will be made as to whether the additional technical merit or benefits reflected by a higher priced quotation warrants payment of the additional price or cost.

BASIS OF AWARD

Award Based on Best Value:

The award of this requirement shall be made using the policies in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items, in conjunction with the policies and procedures for solicitation, evaluation, and award prescribed in Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures, as appropriate for this acquisition. We are using Part 13 competitive procedures, not PART 15 procedures. The Basis of Award for this acquisition will utilize the Best Value/Comparative Procedures. The Government may perform a comparative evaluation (comparing offers to each other) to select the contractor that is best suited and provides the best value, considering the evaluation factors in this solicitation. Award shall be made to the vendor whose quotation, conforming to this RFQ, is determined to be the most advantageous to the government, cost or price and the other non-cost or non- price factors listed above. In determining which quotation offers the greatest value or advantage to the Government, overall technical merit will be considered more important than price or cost. The degree of importance of price or cost as an evaluation factor will increase with the degree of equality in the technical merits of the quotations. Between acceptable quotations with a significant difference in technical merit, a determination will be made as to whether the additional technical merit or benefits reflected by a higher priced quotation warrants payment of the additional price or cost.

Question Cutoff

Questions relating to this Solicitation shall be presented by e-mail to kosman@usgs.gov not later 5:00 P.M. EDT on February 19, 2024. Questions should be worded so as to avoid disclosing quotation strategies or proprietary solutions. The Government will evaluate the questions, and if needed, an Amendment will be issued with the questions received and their associated answers.

If further questions arise following the outcome of answers provided to initial questions, the Contracting Officer has sole discretion to determine if a new question closing date will be required. If a new question closing date is approved, an amendment will be posted.

Quotation Submission

The Government intends to award a firm-fixed-price type purchase order resulting from this solicitation. Quotations are required to be received by the contracting office no later than 5:00 P.M. EDT on February 23, 2024. Quotations shall be emailed to Khadija Osman at kosman@usgs.gov.

mailto:kosman@usgs.gov