15 RFQ 205AE9-21-Q-83908-PMS 12.10.2020.pdf

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE 1 OF 86

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE

DATE

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

DATE

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

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

8. OFFER DUE DATE/

LOCAL TIME

9. ISSUED BY CODE 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: % FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA- 12. DISCOUNT TERMS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8 (A)

13b. RATING

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700) 14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

SEE SCHEDULE RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/

OFFEROR

CODE FACILITY

CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

TELEPHONE NO.

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN 18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK

OFFER BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

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

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

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

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

ARE

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED

ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. OFFER

DATED . . YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

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

SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

5000083908

205AE9-21-Q-83908-PMS

469-801-0775Cathy S. Collier

Procurement-Operations Branch Southern Reg 4050 Alpha Rd Farmers Branch, TX 75244-4201 Attn: Cathy Collier Tel: +1 469-801-0775 Email: cathy.s.collier@irs.gov x 100 x

561499

$15M x

Procurement-Operations Branch Southern Reg 4050 Alpha Rd, Farmers Branch, TX 75244-4201 Attn: Cathy Collier x

Procurement-Operations Branch Southern Reg 4050 Alpha Rd, Farmers Branch, TX 75244-4201 Attn: Cathy Collier

PAYMENT WILL BE MADE VIA THE INVOICE

PROCESSING PLATFORM @ www.ipp.gov x x

12/10/2020

1/4/2021 @ 3:00 pm CST

Line Item Table

Item

No.

Item Description QTY Unit Price Value

0001 BASE YEAR:

Period of Performance: 3/1/2021 -2/28/2022

First Class Mail Presort Service for IRS National

Distribution Center (NDC). Services include the pick-up, processing, and commingle of 1st class mail pieces per the attached Performance Work

Statement (PWS).

1 AJ

1001 OPTION YEAR 1:

Period of Performance: 3/1/2022 – 2/28/2023

First Class Mail Presort Service for IRS National

Distribution Center (NDC). Services include the pick-up, processing, and commingle of 1st class mail pieces per the attached Performance Work

Statement (PWS).

1 AJ

2001 OPTION YEAR 2:

Period of Performance: 3/1/2023 – 2/29/2024

First Class Mail Presort Service for IRS National

Distribution Center (NDC). Services include the pick-up, processing, and commingle of 1st class mail pieces per the attached Performance Work

Statement (PWS).

1 AJ.

3001 OPTION YEAR 3:

Period of Performance: 3/1/2024 – 2/28/2025

First Class Mail Presort Service for IRS National

Distribution Center (NDC). Services include the pick-up, processing, and commingle of 1st class mail pieces per the attached Performance Work

Statement (PWS).

1 AJ

4001 OPTION YEAR 4:

Period of Performance: 3/1/2025 – 2/28/2026

First Class Mail Presort Service for IRS National

Distribution Center (NDC). Services include the pick-up, processing, and commingle of 1st class mail pieces per the attached Performance Work

Statement (PWS).

1 AJ

Outgoing Presort Mail Services and Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMb) Marking

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

National Distribution Center (NDC)

Bloomington, IL 615705

C.1 INTRODUCTION

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) National Distribution Center (NDC) requires contracted First-Class

Mail and postcard services, that include both Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMb) marking and mail presort services. The successful contractor will collect outgoing mail from the IRS NDC location and at the contractor's facility will presort, mark and post the mail pieces. The mail presort services and Intelligent

Mail Barcode (IMb) marking on the mail must comply with the United States Postal Service (USPS) presort and barcode marking requirements to provide to the IRS the most cost-effective postage rates on mail.

C.2 BACKGROUND

The IRS NDC maintains an active inventory of over 8,500 published products. The NDC processes orders for forms, publications and other material from the warehouse location in

Bloomington, IL. Orders are received through telephone, mail, internet and a variety of other sources. Orders are shipped to external customers, such as private residences, post offices, and other businesses as well as IRS office locations.

“Mail”, for the purpose of this contract, consists of First-Class Mail letters and postcards.

The IRS warehouse mail volumes are generally highest between the months of December –

April. However, NDC also performs special mailings at various times throughout the year.

These mailings may increase the daily quantities and result in the need for additional collection service coverage, due to an impact on transportation, labor and storage. These special mailings can be dispersed over several days in order to minimize the impact on vendors’ services.

C.3 SCOPE

The resultant contract of this solicitation will provide IRS a means to send USPS First-Class Mail and postcards utilizing the most effective (i.e. presort) methods.

The USPS Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMb) is required to obtain Commercial Base and Commercial

Plus pricing rates. The IMb includes the delivery point ZIP Code information and allows the USPS to use automated equipment to sort and track First-Class Mail as it travels through the mail stream to the post offices that make final delivery at the respective destinations.

This will encompass:

REQUIREMENT DESIRED OUTCOME CONSTRAINTS

MAIL SERVICES

• Mail Pickup The Contractor shall provide a minimum of three weekly pickups during Standard Business Hours and

Days, however no earlier than 10:00

AM local time.

a. The IRS-NDC designated Contracting

Officer Representative (COR) will be provided with the schedule for pickup.

b. Changes to the regularly scheduled pickup time will be coordinated and agreed upon by both the COR and contractor. The contractor will be notified at least one week in advance of any peak workload periods.

• Presort Services The Contractor will process IRS-NDC mail in such a way as to qualify for the lowest USPS Rates for presort mail.

a. All barcode marking and presort operations shall be in accordance with the latest USPS regulations and with the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

• IMb Marking The Contractor will provide IMb

Marking on each mail piece and process the mail to ensure the lowest possible USPS Commercial First-Class

Mail Rate.

a. All barcode marking and presort operations shall be in accordance with the latest USPS regulations and with the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

• Deposit mail into USPS Mail

Stream

The Contractor will deposit all IRS

First-Class Mail and postcards with the

USPS within 2 business day of pick-up

a. First-Class Mail letters and postcards will be processed by Contractor and presented to the USPS in a timely fashion.

• Special Needs Special mailings of letter mail occur at various times in the year (4 – 8 times) which could increase the quantities resulting in the need for additional service coverage for collections which may impact transportation, labor and storage, to name a few. For example, special mailings have occurred in June, July and August with increased weekly quantities ranging between 10,000 and

35,000 (in addition to the regular daily volume).

a. Pickup times for special mailings will be coordinated with and agreed upon by both the COR and contractor.

b. The contractor will be notified at least one week in advance of any special mailings and the anticipated volume.

c. Special project mailings will, as much as possible, be staggered/released according to predetermined maximum volume that contractor can timely process.

• Mail Trays As mail trays are released to the

Contractor, the Contractor will return an equal number of mail trays at the next scheduled pick-up day.

a. Mail trays will be cycled through the contractor and the NDC, keeping mail trays available for use at the NDC. If additional mail trays are needed for a special mail out, arrangement of volume needed, and delivery of mail trays will be arranged with the COR.

Historical Daily* Quantities have been as follows:

• Letters: maximum 52,300

• Postcards: maximum 31,170

• Historical daily* collections have averaged approximately:

o December – March (Typical Peak)

▪ 1,250 - 1,650 Letters (without special projects)

▪ 5,300 -6,900 letters (with special projects)

▪ 2,650 -3,300 Postcards o Apr – Nov

▪ 1,300 – 1,700 (without special projects)

▪ 3,000 – 4,250 (with special projects)

▪ 100 – 130 Postcards

* The historic daily were the letters and postcards mailed out from 1/18/2018 through 3/26/2020.

The overall daily quantity can be lower or higher depending on the jobs the NDC receives.

The following chart shows historical monthly mailing quantities of First-Class Mail letters and postcards. Future monthly quantities may increase or decrease depending on the mailing requests the NDC receives which could increase the quantities resulting in the need for additional service coverage for collections which may impact transportation, labor and storage, to name a few.

Month Year Letters Postcards

Jan 2018 2287 127923

Feb 2018 20793 111156

Mar 2018 21987 17772

Apr 2018 21890 5336

May 2018 17722 2671

Jun 2018 25810 2259

Jul 2018 142717 2129

Aug 2018 31810 3583

Sep 2018 23654 4665

Oct 2018 22319 2185

Nov 2018 34103 454

Dec 2018 52129 16539

Jan 2019 7542 107362

Feb 2019 74713 112596

Mar 2019 185058 5937

Apr 2019 11158 3723

May 2019 3687 2360

Jun 2019 122527 1254

Jul 2019 36048 415

Aug 2019 27457 480

Sep 2019 9990 322

Oct 2019 5838 745

Nov 2019 21044 248

Dec 2019 15710 17344

Jan 2020 73281 119684

Feb 2020 133131 74936

Mar 2020 53047 5638

Grand Total 1197452 749716

C.4 TASKS AND REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor will never become involved with the content of the mail and must never access internal contents of mail processed as part of the services in this PWS. (Refer to 18 U.S. Code

§ 1708).

Contractor must ensure each Requirement and Desired Outcome listed in this PWS is satisfied and that Constraints are honored and respected. If the contractor has any conflicts or challenges with these requirements, they should consult with the CO or COR.

C.4.1 OTHER MISCELLANEOUS CONSTRAINTS

Information Protection

Special Mailings may contain Personally Identifiable Information (PII) that must be protected from unauthorized disclosure. All Contractor vehicles must be closed and secured during transport. Any lost or stolen mail must be reported in writing to the

COR and CO as soon as the mail is discovered missing. The report must identify the following:

a) Date and Time loss identified

b) Location of loss (address, place of business, etc.)

c) Number of items missing

d) Actions taken by the Contractor to locate or recover items

All undeliverable or mutilated mail pieces must be returned to the NDC by the contractor at the next scheduled pick-up day.

Weather Delays

The contractor shall notify the COR within two (2) hours, via phone and confirmed via facsimile or email of Contractor’s knowledge of any weather conditions with may adversely affect the Contractor’s ability to perform under the terms and conditions as stated in the specifications of this requirement. If the COR cannot be reached the contractor must make attempts to notify the CO in the same manner required herein.

C.4.2 CONTACT POINTS

Contractor Point of Contact (POC)

The Contractor shall specify an individual who shall serve as a single point of contact (POC) for all Contract related business. Contractor must provide the COR and Contracting Office with the POC contact details, to include phone and email, as a minimum:

a) Within 14 business days of contract award and,

b) Within 5 business days prior to a change in the POC by the Contractor.

The POC must be easily accessible by phone and return COR calls within 48 hours of a voice message left by the COR.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

Upon contract commencement, the Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor in writing as to the COR assigned to this contract, and upon reassignment of a new COR, as applicable.

Contractor shall only respond to requests for service from the COR or the CO. If service is requested from any source, other than the COR or the CO, the Contractor is to advise the individual of this requirement and refuse to respond. Any billing resulting from unauthorized service will not be paid by the government.

Authority of the COR

The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to approve changes in any of the requirements of this contract. In the event the Contractor affects any changes at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the changes will be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment will be made in the contract price or schedule to cover any increase in costs incurred as a result thereof. The Contracting Officer shall be the only individual authorized to accept nonconforming work, waive any requirement of the contract, and/or modify any term or condition of the contract. The Contracting Officer is the only individual who can legally obligate Government funds. No costs chargeable to the proposed contract can be incurred before receipt of a fully executed contract or specific authorization from the Contracting Officer. Oral orders may be placed by the COR directly with the Contractor’s Representative, followed by written* confirmation from both parties prior to the service commencing, and only for services, quantities and periods within the scope of this PWS and Price/Cost Schedule. (*Written confirmation does not include cell phone text messages for the purpose of ordering.)

Government Alternate Points of Contact (POC) – Emergencies Only

The COR will identify Alternate Points of Contact (POC) to be used only for instances of emergencies when the COR is not easily contactable. These will be individuals in supervisory or managerial roles within the same department as the COR. The contractor will be provided this information within 5 days after contract award and within 48 hours of a change to this information. An Alternate POC does not replace the COR nor do they replace the Contracting

Officer during the performance and administration of this contract, nor does it relinquish or diminish the Contractor’s requirements in relation to the performance of this Contract.

C.4.3 CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL SPECIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

At all times during performance of Services, in accordance with this PWS, the Contractor must ensure Contractor personnel:

a) Be able to read, understand and apply printed rules, detailed orders, and instructions.

b) Be familiar and compliant with this PWS and all Contractual requirements.

c) Wear Contractor-issued identification name tags in a way that are visibly displayed on the uniform in a prominent manner, being clearly visible to the general public.

d) Maintain decorum at all times. During the performance of services care and consideration must be given to IRS visitors and staff.

e) Park only in the dock loading area or other parking areas as designated parking by the

COR.

C.4.4 SAFETY AND SECURITY

Check In/Out Procedures

Prior to commencement of, and immediately after each service visit, the Contractor or

Contractor’s authorized Personnel, must check in and out with the COR or authorized IRS

Mail staff. Only individual IRS Mail staff at the Location can coordinate check in and check out procedures for the Contractor in the absence of the COR.

The Contractor, when applicable, shall follow guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention (CDC), State regulations and mandates and the IRS location when applicable.

At a minimum, when applicable, all individuals are to wear cloth face coverings while in IRS facilities and workspaces. You may wear an alternative cloth face covering if it covers your nose and mouth and meets CDC requirements.

C.4.5 OPERATING HOURS

Standard Business Hours and Days, including Federal Holidays

IRS National Distribution Center standard operating hours occur between 7:00am to 3:30pm

Monday-Friday excluding Federal holidays, except by special alternate arrangement, coordinated and authorized by the COR.

The Federal Government observes the following days as holidays.

New Year’s Day January 1st *

Martin Luther King’s Birthday Third Monday in January

Presidents Day Third Monday in February

Memorial Day Last Monday in May

Independence Day July 4th *

Labor Day First Monday in September

Columbus Day Second Monday in October

Veterans’ Day November 11th *

Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November

Christmas Day December 25th *

*Holidays that fall on Saturday are observed on the preceding Friday. Holidays that fall on

Sunday are observed on the following Monday.

In addition to the days designated as holidays, the Government observes:

• Any other day designated by Federal Statute

• Any other day designated by Executive Order

• Any other day designated by the President of the United States to be a Federal holiday

C.4.6 SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE

The Contractor is responsible for all charges, fees, applications and procurement of all permits, licenses, registrations and certificates, pursuant to lawful application of the provision of services.

Where there is a conflict between applicable regulations, the most restrictive will apply.

C.4.7 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED EQUIPMENT / PROPERTY

The contractor shall furnish all facilities, equipment, materials and labor required to meet the requirements of this contract which shall include, but is not limited to pick up, barcoding, application of postage, presorting mail and delivery to the Post Office.

C.4.8 INSURANCE

The contractor shall be required to carry liability insurance that will cover the fair and reasonable cost incurred in regard to document replacement, and/or reconstruction of mail that have been damaged, destroyed, lost, or stolen while in the contractor’s possession. The contractor shall also be liable for any PENALTIES or monetary losses incurred while in contractor’s possession.

The Contractor's payments for claims for monetary loss will be subject to verified documentation.

The contractor shall notify the COR within 24 hours of a lapse in, or termination of, their insurance policy. The contractor shall provide a copy of the insurance to the Contracting Officer.

C.4.9 QUALITY

Rework or Remedy

Rework or Remedy is defined as performing the Service again until the Purpose of this PWS is achieved in full. This involves less than Satisfactory Service by the Contractor and as noted by the COR. Rework or Remedy occurs at no additional cost to the Government.

Quality Control Plan

The contractor will devise a Quality Control Plan to ensure successful service, that encompasses the contractor’s intent for satisfying services in the PWS, to include

Deliverables.

The written Quality Control Plan must be mutually agreed upon by the COR and contractor for effectively maintaining the Purpose of this PWS and updated as necessary changes are made. Agreement to a written Quality Control Plan must be reached by both parties within 5 business days upon commencement of services, and within 5 business days following any revisions or changes.

The written Quality Control Plan must include a monthly reporting method to be agreed upon by both the contractor and the COR as reflecting quality services performed by the contractor and provide to the COR no later than one week following the applicable monthly services to which the report pertains.

Test Mail Articles

The IRS will send random mail articles through the contractor to pre-identified recipients with instructions to notify the Mail Room or COR upon receipt. Notification will be sent by email and will include:

a) Date Item Received

b) Scanned Copy of presort address or IMb and postage markings.

These notifications will be used to verify contractor services.

C.4.10 DELIVERABLES

Service Reports

On a weekly basis, the contractor will provide the COR with a report to include the following information for the previous week's processing:

The contractor will provide a weekly, written report which includes, as a minimum, the following information pertaining to the previous week’s services. Each report must be submitted to the COR within 5 business days following completion of the previous week’s services.

Report Information

a) Total cost and number of pieces qualified for presort

b) Total cost and number of pieces not qualifying for the presort rate

c) Number of mutilated/unreadable items returned to the IRS/NDC

d) Costs for encoding or any special services provided

e) Total amount of actual postage cost

C.4.11. EVALUATION FACTORS

Contract will be issued in accordance with FAR 13.5. Selection of Contractor to provide services will utilize a “lowest-priced technically acceptable” approach based on factors such as past performance, cost/price, experience in handling similar mail volumes, and the ability to perform service within stated requirements.

Under the “lowest-priced technically acceptable” approach, cost is not the only factor in contractor selection. In order for an Offeror to be considered for award, the proposal must receive an “Acceptable” rating in every non-price factor. Any proposal receiving a rating of

“Unacceptable” in any non-price factor will not be further evaluated.

There are 3 other factors for evaluation:

• Past Performance,

• Experience, and

• Operations

Past Performance factors include, but are not limited to, timely pickup and performance of work similar in size and scope to this contract.

Experience factors include, but are not limited to, industry certifications and staffing plans in dealing with the seasonal mail fluctuations.

Operation factors include, but are not limited to, timely processing of mail and deposit of mail with the USPS within 2 business days.

DEFINITIONS

CO – Contracting Officer

COR – Contracting Officer’s Representative

DMM – Domestic Mail Manual

IMb - Intelligent Mail Barcode

IRS – Internal Revenue Service

FY – Fiscal Year (October – September)

Mail – refer to the section titled Background in this PWS for more specifics on what is considered “mail”

NDC – National Distribution Center

PII – Personally Identifiable Information

POC – Point of Contact

PWS – Performance Work Statement

Services – Presort Outgoing Mail Services as identified in the Purpose of this PWS as well as the

Tasks and Requirements section of this PWS

USPS – United States Postal Service

PROJECTED DATA

FY2021 FY2022 FY2023 FY2024 FY2025___________

Letters 675,000 700,000 725,000 750,000 775,000

Post Cards 255,000 260,000 265,000 270,000 275,000

Estimated

# of

Pieces 930,000 960,000 990,000 1,020,000 1,050,000

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN

Introduction

This Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) has been developed pursuant to the requirements of the Performance Work Statement for the IRS’ First-Class Mail Presort

Services. The QASP sets forth guidelines that will be used in evaluating the technical performance of the contractor. The procedures set forth in the QASP are contractually binding on the Service or on the Contractor. The Contractor shall be provided a copy of the QASP for information purposes.

Roles and Responsibilities

The following government officials will participate in assessing the quality of the Contractor’s performance. Their roles and responsibilities are as follows:

1. Roy Murdoch will serve as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and will have overall responsibility in monitoring the Contractor’s performance.

2. Cathy S. Collier will serve as the Contracting Officer (CO) and will have overall responsibility for overseeing the Contractor’s performance in the area of contract compliance and contract administration.

Work Requirements/Standards of Performance

a. Mail Pick up Procedures, Section C.3. Scope

b. Mail Processing Services, Section C.3. Scope

c. Services Reports, Sections C.4.10. Deliverables

Primary Methods of Surveillance

- 100% Inspection

- Unscheduled Inspections

- Customer Complaints

The Government has the right to change the method of surveillance at any time. Changes may be necessary because of resource limitations, contractor performance (i.e., positive and negative) because of particular problems associated with the performance surveillance.

Analysis of Results of Performance Surveillance

The IRS representative will assess work performance in accordance with the performance standards set forth in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and surveillance methods described herein and maintain a written record of the assessment as the services are performed.

Definitions

Customer Complaint: A means of documenting certain kinds of contract service problems. A supplemental method of surveillance used to evaluate a contractor’s performance.

Surveillance Activity Checklist: A form in the QA Plan used for contractor’s performance.

Inspection: The examination and testing of supplies or services (including, when appropriate, raw materials, components, and intermediate assemblies) to determine whether the supplies or services conform to contract requirements. Inspection is the process of measuring, examining, testing, or otherwise comparing the unit of service with the requirements. In this contract, the term Inspection also includes actions by the contractor to demonstrate a successful mail processing facility and the Government performing unscheduled site visits.

Quality Assurance (QA): Action by the Government to verify that the quality of purchased goods and services received is acceptable in accordance with established standards and requirements of this contract. Those actions taken by the Government to evaluate service delivery to determine conformance to the requirements of the contract.

Quality Control (QC): Action by the contractor to ensure that products and services offered for delivery conform to the requirements of the contract. Contractor methods and actions including performing tests and inspections of work performed.

Standard of Performance: The desired value or measure of a performance indicator.

Surveillance: Actions by the Government to monitor contractor performance of contract requirements observations of timeliness, accuracy, completeness and quality of services performed.

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):

http://www.arnet.gov/far/

NUMBER TITLE

52.203-3 Gratuities (Apr 1984)

52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights and

Requirement to Inform Employees of Whistleblower Rights (Jun 2020)

52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain

Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation (Jan 2017)

52.204-4 Printed or Copied Double-Sided on Postconsumer Fiber Content Paper

(May 2011)

52.204-7 System for Award Management (Oct 2018)

52.204-9 Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel (Jan 2011)

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)

52.209-2 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations-Representation

(Nov 2015)

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

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items (JUN 2020)

52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items (Oct 2018)

52.224-1 Privacy Act Notification (Apr 1984)

52.224-2 Privacy Act (Apr 1984)

52.227-1 Authorization and Consent (Jun 2020)

52.229-3 Federal, State, and Local Taxes (Feb 2013)

52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations (Jun 2013)

52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Dec 2013)

52.228-5 Insurance – Work on a Government Installation (JAN 1997) http://www.arnet.gov/far/

1052.222-71 Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping (DEVIATION 2021-00001)

COMBATING RACE AND SEX STEREOTYPING (DEVIATION 2021-00001) (NOV 2020)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

“Race or sex scapegoating” means assigning fault, blame, or bias to a race or sex, or to members of a race or sex because of their race or sex.

“Race or sex stereotyping” means ascribing character traits, values, moral and ethical codes, privileges, status, or beliefs to a race or sex, or to an individual because of his or her race or sex.

(b) Exemptions. The exemptions that apply to Executive Order (E.O.) 11246 (see FAR 22.807) also apply to E.O. 13950 and the requirements of this clause.

(c) Compliance with E.O. 13950, Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping. Unless exempted under paragraph (b) of this clause, the Contractor shall not use any workplace training that inculcates in its employees any form of race or sex stereotyping or any form of race or sex scapegoating, including the concepts that—

(1) One race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex;

(2) An individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously;

(3) An individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment solely or partly because of his or her race or sex;

(4) Members of one race or sex cannot and should not attempt to treat others without respect to race or sex;

(5) An individual’s moral character is necessarily determined by his or her race or sex;

(6) An individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, bears responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex; Attachment Class Deviation 2021-O0001

Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping

(7) Any individual should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress on account of his or her race or sex; or

(8) Meritocracy or traits such as a hard work ethic are racist or sexist, or were created by a particular race to oppress another race.

(d) Notice. The Contractor shall send, to each labor union or representative of workers with which it has a collective bargaining agreement or other contract or understanding, the notice provided below advising the labor union or workers’ representative of the Contractor’s commitments under this clause, and post copies of the notice in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment.

NOTICE

E.O. 13950, Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping Employers Holding Federal Contracts or Subcontracts

Contractors shall not use any workplace training that inculcates in its employees any form of race or sex stereotyping or any form of race or sex scapegoating, including the following concepts that—

(1) One race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex;

(2) An individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously;

(3) An individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment solely or partly because of his or her race or sex;

(4) Members of one race or sex cannot and should not attempt to treat others without respect to race or sex;

(5) An individual’s moral character is necessarily determined by his or her race or sex;

(6) An individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, bears responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex;

(7) Any individual should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress on account of his or her race or sex; or

(8) Meritocracy or traits such as a hard work ethic are racist or sexist, or were created by a particular race to oppress another race.

For use in this notice—

“Race or sex scapegoating” means assigning fault, blame, or bias to a race or sex, or to members of a race or sex because of their race or sex; and Attachment Class Deviation 2021-O0001

Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping

“Race or sex stereotyping” means ascribing character traits, values, moral and ethical codes, privileges, status, or beliefs to a race or sex, or to an individual because of his or her race or sex.

Any person who believes a contractor has violated its nondiscrimination or affirmative action obligations under this notice should immediately contact the Office of Federal Contract

Compliance Programs (OFCCP) Complaint Hotline to Combat Race and Sex Stereotyping at

202-343-2008 or via email at OFCCPComplaintHotline@dol.gov .

(End of notice)

(e) Noncompliance. In the event it is determined that the Contractor is not in compliance with this clause or any rule, regulation, or order of the Secretary of Labor, this contract may be canceled, terminated, or suspended in whole or in part, and the Contractor may be declared ineligible for further Government contracts, under the procedures authorized in E.O. 11246, as amended. In addition, sanctions may be imposed and remedies invoked against the Contractor as provided in E.O. 11246, as amended; in the rules, regulations, and orders of the Secretary of

Labor; or as otherwise provided by law.

(f) Subcontracts. (1) The Contractor shall include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (f), in all subcontracts that exceed $10,000 and are not exempted by the rules, regulations, or orders of the Secretary of Labor issued under E.O. 11246, as amended, so that these terms and conditions will be binding upon each subcontractor.

(2) The Contractor shall take such action with respect to any subcontract as the Director of

OFCCP may direct as a means of enforcing these terms and conditions, including sanctions for noncompliance, provided, that if the Contractor becomes involved in, or is threatened with, litigation with a subcontractor as a result of such direction, the Contractor may request the

United States to enter into the litigation to protect the interests of the United States.

(End of clause)

52.203-2 Certificate of Independent Price Determination (Apr 1985)

(a) The offeror certifies that-

(1) The prices in this offer have been arrived at independently, without, for the purpose of restricting competition, any consultation, communication, or agreement with any other offeror or competitor relating to-

(i) Those prices;

(ii) The intention to submit an offer; or

(iii) The methods or factors used to calculate the prices offered.

(2) The prices in this offer have not been and will not be knowingly disclosed by the offeror, directly or indirectly, to any other offeror or competitor before bid opening (in the case of a sealed bid solicitation) or contract award (in the case of a negotiated solicitation) unless otherwise required by law; and

(3) No attempt has been made or will be made by the offeror to induce any other concern to submit or not to submit an offer for the purpose of restricting competition.

(b) Each signature on the offer is considered to be a certification by the signatory that the signatory-

(1) Is the person in the offeror’s organization responsible for determining the prices being offered in this bid or proposal, and that the signatory has not participated and will not participate in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this provision; or

(2)

(i) Has been authorized, in writing, to act as agent for the following principals in certifying that those principals have not participated, and will not participate in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this provision ____________________ [insert full name of person(s) in the offeror’s organization responsible for determining the prices offered in this bid or proposal, and the title of his or her position in the offeror’s organization];

(ii) As an authorized agent, does certify that the principals named in subdivision (b)(2)(i) of this provision have not participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to paragraphs

(a)(1) through (a)(3) of this provision; and

(iii) As an agent, has not personally participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this provision.

(c) If the offeror deletes or modifies paragraph (a)(2) of this provision, the offeror must furnish with its offer a signed statement setting forth in detail the circumstances of the disclosure.

(End of Provision)

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)

52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance

Services or Equipment (Oct 2020)

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 Items. 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) 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—

(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.

52.204-26 Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation (Oct 2020)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision, "covered telecommunications equipment or services" and "reasonable inquiry" have the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on

Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

(b) 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".

(c)

(1) Representation. The Offeror represents that it □ does, □ 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.

(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 any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services.

52.222-37 Employment Reports on Veterans (Jun 2020)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause, "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran,"

"Armed Forces service medal veteran," "disabled veteran," "protected veteran," and "recently separated veteran," have the meanings given in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)22.1301.

(b) Unless the Contractor is a State or local government agency, the Contractor shall report at least annually, as required by the Secretary of Labor, on-

(1) The total number of employees in the contractor’s workforce, by job category and hiring location, who are protected veterans (i.e., active duty wartime or campaign badge veterans, Armed Forces service medal veterans, disabled veterans, and recently separated veterans);

(2) The total number of new employees hired during the period covered by the report, and of the total, the number of protected veterans (i.e., active duty wartime or campaign badge veterans, Armed Forces service medal veterans, disabled veterans, and recently separated veterans); and

(3) The maximum number and minimum number of employees of the Contractor or subcontractor…