RFP 19ES6026Q0031 SIGNED.pdf

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

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

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

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

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

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

CORRECT FOR

36. PAYMENT 37. CHECK NUMBER

PARTIAL FINAL COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL

38. S/R ACCOUNT NO. 39. S/R VOUCHER NO. 40. PAID BY

41.a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT 42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

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

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42c. DATE REC’D (YY/MM/DD) 42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

SBU - CONTRACTING AND ACQUISITIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 - THE SCHEDULE

• SF 1449 cover sheet

• Continuation To SF-1449, RFP Number 19ES6026Q0031. Prices, Block 23

• Continuation To SF-1449, RFP Number 19ES6026Q0031, Schedule Of

Supplies/Services, Block 20 Description/Specifications/Work Statement

• Attachment 1 to Description/Specifications/Performance Work Statement, Government Furnished Property

SECTION 2 - CONTRACT CLAUSES

• Contract Clauses

• Addendum to Contract Clauses - FAR and DOSAR Clauses not Prescribed in Part 12

SECTION 3 - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

• Solicitation Provisions

• Addendum to Solicitation Provisions - FAR and DOSAR Provisions not Prescribed in

Part 12

SECTION 4 - EVALUATION FACTORS

• Evaluation Factors

• Addendum to Evaluation Factors - FAR and DOSAR Provisions not Prescribed in

Part 12

SECTION 5 - REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Offeror Representations and Certifications

• Addendum to Offeror Representations and Certifications - FAR and DOSAR

Provisions not Prescribed in Part 12

SECTION 1 - THE SCHEDULE

CONTINUATION TO SF-1449

RFP NUMBER S- 19ES6026Q0031

PRICES, BLOCK 23

I. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

A. The purpose of this purchase order is to award a contractor to design, produce, and implement a strategically informed, multimedia national campaign in support of the U.S.

Embassy San Salvador's H-2 Visa Fraud Prevention Campaign. The campaign will run for three months, from November 3rd, 2026, through February 15th, 2027 (with a pause from December 15th–31st, 2026), and will operate at national scale across El Salvador.

B. The campaign shall:

• Deter visa fraud and illegal immigration

• Encourage verification of H-2 visa and job offers before applicants act on them

• Simplify understanding of legitimate H-2 visa pathways through accessible, visual communication

• Promote the U.S. Embassy as the sole authoritative source for visa information

• Expose criminal networks perpetrating fake H-2 visa schemes and exploiting

Salvadorans through social media and other channels

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

This plan provides an effective method to promote satisfactory contractor performance. The QASP provides a method for the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to monitor Contractor performance, advise the Contractor of unsatisfactory performance, and notify the Contracting Officer of continued unsatisfactory performance. The Contractor, not the Government, is responsible for management and quality control to meet the terms of the contract.

The role of the Government is to monitor quality to ensure that contract standards are achieved.

Performance Objective Scope of Work

Paragraphs Performance Threshold

Services.

Performs all anti-fraud campaign design and implementation services set forth in the scope of work.

from November 3rd, 2026, through February 15th, 2027.

All required services are performed and no more than one

(1) customer complaint is received per month.

1. SURVEILLANCE. The COR will receive and document all complaints from Government personnel regarding the services provided. If appropriate, the COR will send the complaints to the Contractor for corrective action.

2. STANDARD. The performance standard is that the Government receives no more than one (1)] customer complaint per month. The COR shall notify the Contracting Officer of the complaints so that the Contracting Officer may take appropriate action to enforce the inspection clause (FAR 52.212.4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Products and Commercial Services (NOV 2023), if any of the services exceed the standard.

3. PROCEDURES.

(a) If any Government personnel observe unacceptable services, either incomplete work or required services not being performed they should immediately contact the COR.

(b) The COR will complete appropriate documentation to record the complaint.

(c) If the COR determines the complaint is invalid, the COR will advise the complainant. The COR will retain the annotated copy of the written complaint for his/her files.

(d) If the COR determines the complaint is valid, the COR will inform the Contractor and give the Contractor additional time to correct the defect, if additional time is available. The COR shall determine how much time is reasonable.

(e) The COR shall, as a minimum, orally notify the Contractor of any valid complaints.

(f) If the Contractor disagrees with the complaint after investigation of the site and challenges the validity of the complaint, the Contractor will notify the COR. The COR will review the matter to determine the validity of the complaint.

(g) The COR will consider complaints as resolved unless notified otherwise by the complainant.

(h) Repeat customer complaints are not permitted for any services. If a repeat customer complaint is received for the same deficiency during the service period, the COR will contact the Contracting Officer for appropriate action under the Inspection clause.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.212-4

II. PRICING

The total budget available for this award is $100,000.00. The chart below reflects a suggested price structure for planning purposes only. Vendors shall propose a detailed cost breakdown based on their specific technical approach, ensuring all proposed costs align with and do not exceed the total available budget.

Line item

Item Description Unit of measure

Quantity Total amount

1 Metrics and validation study to determine the effectivness of the campaign

Lump sum 1 $5,000.00

2 Design and development of multimedia national Campaign

Lump sum 1 $95,000.00

Total $100,000.00 *in USD Currency*

III. VALUE ADDED TAX

VALUE ADDED TAX. Value Added Tax (VAT) is not applicable to this contract and shall not be included in the CLIN rates or Invoices because the U.S. Embassy has a tax exemption certificate from the host government.

CONTINUATION TO SF-1449,

RFP NUMBER 19ES6026Q0031

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES, BLOCK 20

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

SECTION 2 – CONTRACT CLAUSES

52.212-4 TERMS AND CONDITIONS – COMMERCIAL ITEMS

(JAN 2026) IS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE. (SEE SF-1449,

BLOCK 27A)

ADD THE FOLLOWING CLAUSE IN FULL TEXT:

52.229-12 TAX ON CERTAIN FOREIGN PROCUREMENTS—NOTICE AND

REPRESENTATION (FEB 2021)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

Foreign person means any person other than a United States person.

United States person, as defined in 26 U.S.C. 7701(a)(30), means–

(1) A citizen or resident of the United States;

(2) A domestic partnership;

(3) A domestic corporation;

(4) Any estate (other than a foreign estate, within the meaning of 26 U.S.C.

7701(a)(31)); and

(5) Any trust if-

(i) A court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust; and

(ii) One or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust.

(b) This clause applies only to foreign persons. It implements 26 U.S.C. 5000C and its implementing regulations at 26 CFR 1.5000C-1 through 1.5000C-7.

(c)

(1) If the Contractor is a foreign person and has only a partial or no exemption to the withholding, the Contractor shall include the Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Form W-14, Certificate of Foreign Contracting Party Receiving Federal Procurement Payments, with each voucher or invoice submitted under this contract throughout the period in which this status is applicable. The excise tax withholding is applied at the payment level, not at the contract level. The Contractor should revise each IRS Form W-14 submission to reflect the https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title26-section7701&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title26-section7701&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title26-section7701&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title26-section5000C&num=0&edition=prelim exemption (if any) that applies to that particular invoice, such as a different exemption applying.

In the absence of a completed IRS Form W-14 accompanying a payment request, the default withholding percentage is 2 percent for the section 5000C withholding for that payment request.

Information about IRS Form W-14 and its separate instructions is available via the internet at www.irs.gov/w14.

(2) If the Contractor is a foreign person and has indicated in its offer in the provision 52.229-11, Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements—Notice and Representation, that it is fully exempt from the withholding, and certified the full exemption on the IRS Form W-14, and if that full exemption no longer applies due to a change in circumstances during the performance of the contract that causes the Contractor to become subject to the withholding for the 2 percent excise tax then the Contractor shall–

(i) Notify the Contracting Officer within 30 days of a change in circumstances that causes the Contractor to be subject to the excise tax withholding under 26 U.S.C. 5000C; and

(ii) Comply with paragraph (c)(1) of this clause.

(d) The Government will withhold a full 2 percent of each payment unless the Contractor claims an exemption. If the Contractor enters a ratio in Line 12 of the IRS Form W-14, the result of Line 11 divided by Line 10, the Government will withhold from each payment an amount equal to 2 percent multiplied by the contract ratio. If the Contractor marks box 9 of the IRS Form W-14 (rather than completes Lines 10 through 12), the Contractor must identify and enter the specific exempt and nonexempt amounts in Line 15 of the IRS Form W-14; the Government will then withhold 2 percent only from the nonexempt amount. See the IRS Form W-14 and its instructions.

(e) Exemptions from the withholding under this clause are described at 26 CFR 1.5000C- 1(d)(5) through (7). Any exemption claimed and self-certified on the IRS Form W-14 is subject to audit by the IRS. Any disputes regarding the imposition and collection of the 26 U.S.C.

5000C tax are adjudicated by the IRS as the 26 U.S.C. 5000C tax is a tax matter, not a contract issue.

(f) Taxes imposed under 26 U.S.C. 5000C may not be—

(1) Included in the contract price; nor

(2) Reimbursed.

(g) A taxpayer may, for a fee, seek advice from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as to the proper tax treatment of a transaction. This is called a private letter ruling. Also, the IRS may publish a revenue ruling, which is an official interpretation by the IRS of the Internal Revenue Code, related statutes, tax treaties, and regulations. A revenue ruling is the conclusion of the IRS https://www.irs.gov/w14 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.229-11#FAR_52_229_11 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title26-section5000C&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title26-section5000C&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title26-section5000C&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title26-section5000C&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title26-section5000C&num=0&edition=prelim on how the law is applied to a specific set of facts. For questions relating to the interpretation of the IRS regulations go to https://www.irs.gov/help/tax-law-questions.

(End of clause) https://www.irs.gov/help/tax-law-questions

ADDENDUM TO CONTRACT CLAUSES

FAR AND DOSAR CLAUSES NOT PRESCRIBED IN PART 12

52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. In addition, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at: Acquisition.gov this address is subject to change.

If the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is not available at the location indicated above, use the Department of State Acquisition website at e-CFR to see the links to the FAR. You may also use an Internet “search engine” (for example, Google, Yahoo or Excite) to obtain the latest location of the most current FAR.

THE FOLLOWING FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS (FAR) CLAUSES ARE

INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

CLAUSE TITLE AND DATE

52.203-17 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS (NOV 2023)

52.204-13 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE (JAN 2026)

52.222-19 CHILD LABOR-COOPERATION WITH AUTHORITIES AND REMEDIES

(FEB 2026)

52.225-14 INCONSISTENCY BETWEEN ENGLISH VERSION AND TRANSLATION OF

CONTRACT (FEB 2000)

52.229-6 TAXES - FOREIGN FIXED PRICE CONTRACTS (FEB 2013)

52.232-39 UNENFORCEABILITY OF UNAUTHORIZED OBLIGATIONS (JUNE 2013)

52.232-40 PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL BUSINESS

SUBCONTRACTORS (MAR 2023)

52.244-6 SUBCONTRACTS FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL

SERVICES (JAN 2025)

https://acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://gov.ecfr.io/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=d9a7851186785ba2b1896db79b1b6b29&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title48/48tab_02.tpl

52.232-19 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR (APR 1984)

Funds are not presently available for performance under this contract beyond September 30 of the current calendar year. The Government's obligation for performance of this contract beyond that date is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds from which payment for contract purposes can be made. No legal liability on the part of the Government for any payment may arise for performance under this contract beyond September 30 of the current calendar year, until funds are made available to the Contracting Officer for performance and until the Contractor receives notice of availability, to be confirmed in writing by the Contracting Officer.

THE FOLLOWING DOSAR CLAUSES ARE PROVIDED IN FULL TEXT:

652.229-70 EXCISE TAX EXEMPTION STATEMENT FOR CONTRACTORS WITHIN THE

UNITED STATES (JUL 1988)

This is to certify that the item(s) covered by this contract is/are for export solely for the use of the U.S. Foreign Service Post identified in the contract schedule.

The Contractor shall use a photocopy of this contract as evidence of intent to export. Final proof of exportation may be obtained from the agent handling the shipment. Such proof shall be accepted in lieu of payment of excise tax.

652.232-70 PAYMENT SCHEDULE AND INVOICE SUBMISSION (FIXED-PRICE)

(AUG 1999)

(a) General. The Government shall pay the Contractor as full compensation for all work required, performed, and accepted under this contract the firm price stated in this contract.

(b) Contractor Remittance Address. The Government will make payment to the contractor’s address stated on the cover page of this contract, unless a separate remittance address is shown below:

Please submit your invoice through the vendor portal log in MY GRANTS (servicenowservices.com). If you have any Questions regarding the use of Portal, please reach out to

SanSalvadorFMO-DBO@state.gov

652.242-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR) AUG 1999)

(a) The Contracting Officer may designate in writing one or more Government employees, by name or position title, to take action for the Contracting Officer under this contract. Each designee shall be identified as a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Such designation(s) shall specify the scope and limitations of the authority so delegated; provided that the designee shall not change the terms or conditions of the contract, unless the COR is a warranted Contracting Officer and this authority is delegated in the designation.

(a) The COR for this contract is Supervisory Consular Specialist.

652.242-73 AUTHORIZATION AND PERFORMANCE (AUG 1999)

(a) The Contractor warrants the following:

(1) That is has obtained authorization to operate and do business in the country or countries in which this contract will be performed;

(2) That is has obtained all necessary licenses and permits required to perform this contract; and,

(3) That it shall comply fully with all laws, decrees, labor standards, and regulations of said country or countries during the performance of this contract.

(b) If the party actually performing the work will be a subcontractor or joint venture partner, then such subcontractor or joint venture partner agrees to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this clause.

652.243-70 NOTICES (AUG 1999)

Any notice or request relating to this contract given by either party to the other shall be in writing. Said notice or request shall be mailed or delivered by hand to the other party at the address provided in the schedule of the contract. All modifications to the contract must be made in writing by the Contracting Officer.

SECTION 3 - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS -- COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (JAN 2026) IS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

(SEE SF-1449, BLOCK 27A)

ADDENDUM TO 52.212-1

A. Summary of Instructions. Each offer must consist of the following:

A.1. A completed solicitation, in which the SF-1449 cover page (blocks 12, 17, 19-24, and 30 as appropriate), and Section 1 has been filled out.

(1) Name of a Project Manager (or other liaison to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate) who understands written and spoken English;

(2) Evidence that the offeror/quoter operates an established business with a permanent address and telephone listing; in El Salvador or plans to establish an office within 30 days of contract award.

(3) The offeror shall provide proof of SAM registration to include the SAM UEI number.

4. List of clients over the past 5 years, demonstrating prior experience with relevant past performance information and references (provide dates of contracts, places of performance, value of contracts, contact names, telephone and fax numbers and email addresses). If the offeror has not performed comparable services in El Salvador then the offeror shall provide its international experience. Offerors are advised that the past performance information requested above may be discussed with the client’s contact person. In addition, the client’s contact person may be asked to comment on the offeror’s:

• Quality of services provided under the contract;

• Compliance with contract terms and conditions;

• Effectiveness of management;

• Willingness to cooperate with and assist the customer in routine matters, and when confronted by unexpected difficulties; and

• Business integrity / business conduct.

The Government will use past performance information primarily to assess an offeror’s capability to meet the solicitation performance requirements, including the relevance and successful performance of the offeror’s work experience. The Government may also use this data to evaluate the credibility of the offeror’s proposal. In addition, the Contracting Officer may use past performance information in making a determination of responsibility.

5. Evidence that the offeror/quoter can provide the necessary personnel, equipment, and financial resources needed to perform the work;

6. The offeror shall address its plan to obtain all licenses and permits required by local law (see

DOSAR 652.242-73 in Section 2). If offeror already possesses the locally required licenses and permits, a copy shall be provided.

7. The offeror’s strategic plan for Consular 2026 Visa H-2 Fraud prevention campaign services to include but not limited to:

(a) A work plan taking into account all work elements in Section 1, Performance Work

Statement.

(b) Identify types and quantities of equipment, supplies and materials required for performance of services under this contract. Identify if the offeror already possesses the listed items and their condition for suitability and if not already possessed or inadequate for use how and when the items will be obtained;

(c) Plan of ensuring quality of services including but not limited to contract administration and oversight; and

(d) (1) If insurance is required by the solicitation, a copy of the Certificate of Insurance(s), or (2) a statement that the contractor will get the required insurance, and the name of the insurance provider to be used.

ADDENDUM TO SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

FAR AND DOSAR PROVISIONS NOT PRESCRIBED IN PART 12

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. In addition, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at Acquisition.gov this address is subject to change.

If the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is not available at the location indicated above, use the Department of State Acquisition website at e-CFR to see the links to the FAR. You may also use an Internet “search engine” (for example, Google, Yahoo or Excite) to obtain the latest location of the most current FAR.

THE FOLLOWING FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION SOLICITATION

PROVISIONS ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

PROVISION TITLE AND DATE

52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (JAN 2026)

52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS -- COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (JAN 2026)

52.214-34 SUBMISSION OF OFFERS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE (APR 1991)

THE FOLLOWING DOSAR PROVISION(S) IS/ARE PROVIDED IN FULL TEXT:

652.206-70 ADVOCATE FOR COMPETITION/OMBUDSMAN (FEB 2015)

(a) The Department of State’s Advocate for Competition is responsible for assisting industry in removing restrictive requirements from Department of State solicitations and removing barriers to full and open competition and use of commercial items. If such a solicitation is considered competitively restrictive or does not appear properly conducive to competition and commercial practices, potential offerors are encouraged first to contact the contracting office for the solicitation. If concerns remain unresolved, contact:

(1) For solicitations issued by the Office of Acquisition Management (A/GA/AMD) or a Regional Procurement Support Office, the A/GA/AMD Advocate for Competition, at AQMCompetitionAdvocate@state.gov.

(2) For all others, the Department of State Advocate for Competition at cat@state.gov.

(b) The Department of State’s Acquisition Ombudsman has been appointed to hear concerns from potential offerors and contractors during the pre-award and post-award phases of this acquisition. The role of the ombudsman is not to diminish the authority of the contracting officer, the Technical Evaluation Panel or Source Evaluation Board, or the selection official. The purpose of the ombudsman is to facilitate the communication of concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations of interested parties to the appropriate Government personnel, and work to https://acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://gov.ecfr.io/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=d9a7851186785ba2b1896db79b1b6b29&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title48/48tab_02.tpl mailto:AQMCompetitionAdvocate@state.gov mailto:cat@state.gov resolve them. When requested and appropriate, the ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals, the source selection process, or the adjudication of formal contract disputes. Interested parties are invited to contact the contracting activity ombudsman. For an American Embassy or overseas post, refer to the numbers below for the Department Acquisition Ombudsman. Concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations which cannot be resolved at a contracting activity level may be referred to the Department of State Acquisition Ombudsman at (703) 516-1696 or write to: Department of State, Acquisition Ombudsman, Office of Global Acquisitions (A/GA), Suite 1060, SA-15, Washington, DC 20520.

(End of provision)

SECTION 4 - EVALUATION FACTORS

• Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose proposal represents the best value to the Government, based on the best use of the budget stated. The offeror shall submit a completed solicitation, including Sections 1 and 5.

• The Government reserves the right to reject any proposal that proposes a scope of work, level of effort, or deliverables that are inconsistent with, or not reasonably achievable, within, the budget stated.

• The offeror shall submit a detailed budget allocation proposal demonstrating how the amount of $100,000.00 will be utilized to fully accomplish the tasks and deliverables outlined in the Scope of Work.

• The Government will determine acceptability by assessing the offeror's compliance with the terms of the RFP, to include the technical information required by Section 3.

• Demonstrated experience in strategic communication campaigns involving public awareness.

• Availability of bilingual staff (Spanish/English) to support messaging framework development and content production across both languages.

• Multimedia production and digital marketing capacity, including the ability to produce video, radio, social media, print, and digital assets at the quality and scale required by the Scope of Work.

• The offeror shall demonstrate a clear understanding of the H-2 visa category and application process, and the ability to translate that knowledge into clear, accurate public messaging.

• The offeror shall present 3 to 5 creative concepts aligned with the campaign's strategic framework, including use of the "Stop, question, verify" tagline, legal consequence messaging, and criminal network framing. The Government will evaluate the concept's originality, clarity, audience relevance, and production quality, as well as the effectiveness of the offeror's live presentation to the evaluation panel.

• The offeror's proposed campaign shall demonstrate a clear approach to deterring visa fraud, encouraging verification of visa offers, simplifying legitimate visa pathways, promoting the U.S. Embassy as the sole authority for visa information, advising on fake H-2 visa schemes, and countering criminal networks exploiting Salvadorans through social media.

SECTION 5 - REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

52.204-90 SECURITY PROHIBITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS REPRESENTATIONS

AND CERTIFICATIONS (JAN 2026)

Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications (Deviation Date)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision-— Backhaul, covered article, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, FASCSA order, Intelligence community, interconnection arrangements, national security system, roaming, sensitive compartmented information, sensitive compartmented information system, source, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause 52.240- 91, Security Prohibitions and Exclusions.

Business operations means engaging in commerce in any form, including by acquiring, developing, maintaining, owning, selling, possessing, leasing, or operating equipment, facilities, personnel, products, services, personal property, real property, or any other apparatus of business or commerce.

Marginalized populations of Sudan means—

(1) Adversely affected groups in regions authorized to receive assistance under section 8(c) of the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act (Pub. L. 109-344) (50 U.S.C. 1701 note); and

(2) Marginalized areas in Northern Sudan described in section 4(9) of such Act.

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

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

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

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

(4) Consist of providing goods or services to an internationally recognized peacekeeping force or humanitarian organization;

(5) Consist of providing goods or services that are used only to promote health or education; or

(6) Have been voluntarily suspended.

Sensitive technology—

(1) Means hardware, software, telecommunications equipment, or any other technology that is to be used specifically—

(i) To restrict the free flow of unbiased information in Iran; or

(ii) To disrupt, monitor, or otherwise restrict speech of the people of Iran; and

(2) Does not include information or informational materials the export of which the President does not have the authority to regulate or prohibit pursuant to section 203(b)(3) of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(3)).

(b) Procedures.

(1) Covered telecommunications and video surveillance. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for “covered telecommunications equipment or services.”

(2) FASCSA Orders.

https://www.sam.gov/

(i) The Offeror shall search in SAM for the phrase “FASCSA order” for any covered article, or any products or services produced or provided by a source, if there is an applicable FASCSA order described in paragraph (e) of FAR 52.240-91, Security Prohibitions and Exclusions.

(ii) The Offeror shall review the solicitation for any FASCSA orders that are not in SAM but are effective and apply to the solicitation and resultant contract (see FAR 40.204-1(c)(2)).

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

(c) Covered telecommunications equipment or services representations. By submission of its offer, the Offeror represents that, after conducting a reasonable inquiry (that looks at any information in the Offeror’s possession but does not need to include an internal or third-party audit)—

(1) It 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, except as waived by the solicitation, or as disclosed in paragraph (g); and

(2) It does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services, except as waived by the solicitation, or as disclosed in paragraph (g).

(d) FASCSA Representation. By submission of this offer, the offeror represents that it has conducted a reasonable inquiry, and that the offeror does not propose to provide or use in response to this solicitation any covered article, or any products or services produced or provided by a source, if the covered article or the source is prohibited by an applicable FASCSA order in effect on the date the solicitation was issued, except as waived by the solicitation, or as disclosed in paragraph (g). A reasonable inquiry will look at any information in the offeror’s possession but does not need to include an internal or third-party audit.

(e) Sudan certification. By submission of its offer, the offeror certifies, after conducting a reasonable inquiry (that looks at any information in the offeror’s possession but does not need to include an internal or third-party audit), that the offeror does not conduct any restricted business operations in Sudan.

(f) Iran Representation and Certifications.

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(2) of this provision or if a waiver has been granted in accordance with FAR 40.203-3, the offeror, after conducting a reasonable inquiry (that looks at any information in the offeror’s possession but does not need to include an internal or third-party audit), by submission of its offer—

(i) Represents, to the best of its knowledge and belief, that the offeror does not export any sensitive technology to the government of Iran or any entities or individuals owned or controlled by, or acting on behalf or at the direction of, the government of Iran;

(ii) Certifies that the offeror, or any person (as defined at section 15 of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-172, 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) owned or controlled by the offeror, does not engage in any activities for which sanctions may be imposed under section 5 of the Act. These sanctioned activities are in the areas of development of the petroleum resources of Iran, production of refined petroleum products in Iran, sale and provision of refined petroleum products to Iran, and contributing to Iran’s ability to acquire or develop certain weapons or technologies; and

(iii) Certifies that the offeror, and any person owned or controlled by the offeror, does not knowingly engage in any transaction that exceeds $15,000 with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps or any of its officials, agents, or affiliates, the property and interests in property of which are blocked pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.)

(see OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List at https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/SDN-List/Pages/default.aspx)

(2) Exception for trade agreements. The representation and certification requirements of paragraph (f)(1) of this provision do not apply if—

(i) This solicitation includes a trade agreements notice or certification (e.g., 52.225-6, Trade Agreements Certificate); and

(ii) The offeror has certified that all the offered products to be supplied are designated country end products or designated country construction material.

https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/SDN-List/Pages/default.aspx

(iii) The offeror shall email questions concerning sensitive technology to the Department of State at CISADA106@state.gov.

(g) Disclosure.

(1) If the Offeror is not able to represent compliance with the prohibitions in paragraphs (c) or (d), then the Offeror shall disclose within 72 hours to the contracting office identified in paragraph (g)(2) the following information for each product or service not compliant:

(i) Contract number and order number, if applicable;

(ii) Identification of whether this disclosure relates to paragraph (c) on covered telecommunication equipment or services, or to paragraph (d) on FASCSA orders;

(iii) A description of the products or services that the Contractor identifies or has reason to suspect is prohibited (include brand; model number, such as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable);

(iv) The entity that produced the product or service (include entity name, unique entity identifier, Contractor and Government Entity (CAGE) code, facilities responsible for design, fabrication, assembly, packaging, and test of the product, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor (provide manufacturer codes and distributor codes used for the product));

(v) Description of the functionality of the product or service and how that functionality impacts the risk to the product or service;

(vi) An explanation of any factors relevant to determining if the product or service should be permitted by an applicable exception, exemption, or waiver (if the offeror would like the Government to consider a waiver);

(vii) Whether alternative products or services are available that would be compliant with the prohibition;

(viii) If the product or service is related to item maintenance, include the following information on the item being maintained:

(A) Brand;

(B) Model number, OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and

(C) Item description, as applicable.

(ix) Any readily available information about mitigation actions undertaken or recommended.

(2) If a disclosure is required to be submitted to a contracting office, the offeror shall submit the disclosure as follows:

(i) If a Department of Defense contracting office, the offeror shall submit the disclosure to the website at https://dibnet.dod.mil.

(ii) For all other contracting offices, the Offeror shall submit the disclosure to the Contracting Officer.

(3) If the disclosure provided does not contain any of the information required by paragraph (1), and the Offeror later discovers new information that is required by paragraph (1), then the Offeror shall submit a subsequent disclosure within 72 hours of discovering the new information.

(h) Executive agency review of disclosures. The Contracting Officer will review disclosures provided in paragraph (g) to determine if any applicable waiver may be sought. The Contracting Officer may choose not to pursue a waiver and may instead make an award to an Offeror that does not require a waiver.

mailto:CISADA106@state.gov https://dibnet.dod.mil/

52.229-11 TAX ON CERTAIN FOREIGN PROCUREMENTS – NOTICE AND

REPRESENTATION (JUN 2020)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

Foreign person means any person other than a United States person.

Specified Federal procurement payment means any payment made pursuant to a contract with a foreign contracting party that is for goods, manufactured or produced, or services provided in a foreign country that is not a party to an international procurement agreement with the United States. For purposes of the prior sentence, a foreign country does not include an outlying area.

United States person as defined in 26 U.S.C. 7701(a)(30) means—

(1) A citizen or resident of the United States;

(2) A domestic partnership;

(3) A domestic corporation;

(4) Any estate (other than a foreign estate, within the meaning of 26 U.S.C. 701(a)(31)); and

(5) Any trust if—

(i) A court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust; and

(ii) One or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust.

(b) Unless exempted, there is a 2 percent tax of the amount of a specified Federal procurement payment on any foreign person receiving such payment. See 26 U.S.C. 5000C and its implementing regulations at 26 CFR 1.5000C-1 through 1.5000C-7.

(c) Exemptions from withholding under this provision are described at 26 CFR 1.5000C- 1(d)(5) through (7). The Offeror would claim an exemption from the withholding by using the Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Form W-14, Certificate of Foreign Contracting Party Receiving Federal Procurement Payments, available via the internet at www.irs.gov/w14 . Any exemption claimed and self-certified on the IRS Form W-14 is subject to audit by the IRS. Any disputes regarding the imposition and collection of the 26 U.S.C. 5000C tax are adjudicated by the IRS as the 26 U.S.C. 5000C tax is a tax matter, not a contract issue.

The IRS Form W-14 is provided to the acquiring agency rather than to the IRS.

(d) For purposes of withholding under 26 U.S.C. 5000C, the Offeror represents that—

(1) It [__]is [__]is not a foreign person; and http://www.irs.gov/w14

(2) If the Offeror indicates “is” in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, then the Offeror represents that—I am claiming on the IRS Form W-14 [____] a full exemption, or [____] partial or no exemption [Offeror shall select one] from the excise tax.

(e) If the Offeror represents it is a foreign person in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, then—

(1) The clause at FAR 52.229-12, Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements, will be included in any resulting contract; and

(2) The Offeror shall submit with its offer the IRS Form W-14. If the IRS Form W-14 is not submitted with the offer, exemptions will not be applied to any resulting contract and the Government will withhold a full 2 percent of each payment.

(f) If the Offeror selects “is” in paragraph (d)(1) and “partial or no exemption” in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision, the Offeror will be subject to withholding in accordance with the clause at FAR 52.229-12, Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements, in any resulting contract.

(g) A taxpayer may, for a fee, seek advice from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as to the proper tax treatment of a transaction. This is called a private letter ruling. Also, the IRS may publish a revenue ruling, which is an official interpretation by the IRS of the Internal Revenue Code, related statutes, tax treaties, and regulations. A revenue ruling is the conclusion of the IRS on how the law is applied to a specific set of facts. For questions relating to the interpretation of the IRS regulations go to https://www.irs.gov/help/tax-law-questions .

ADDENDUM TO SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

FAR AND DOSAR PROVISIONS NOT PRESCRIBED IN PART 12

https://www.irs.gov/help/tax-law-questions

ATTACHMENT A

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

FY2026 Visa Fraud Prevention Campaign Project

U.S. Embassy San Salvador – Consular Section

1. Project Title FY 2026 Visa Fraud Prevention Campaign U.S. Embassy San Salvador – Consular Section

2. Background H-2 (temporary and seasonal work) visas play a key role in bilateral relations between the United States and El Salvador. Thousands of Salvadorans apply for H-2 visas annually. Thousands more are flooded with fake H-2 visa and job offers by criminal networks hoping to benefit financially off vulnerable Salvadorans they scam. These scams put the integrity of the U.S. visa process and the reputation of the United States at risk. The annual H-2 visa fraud prevention campaign is aimed at raising awareness of the criminal elements behind false visa and H-2 job offers, pushing Salvadorans to question and rebuff the flood of fake H-2 visa offers. Stemming the victimization of Salvadoran citizens will foil the criminal networks that threaten the integrity of the U.S. visa process and dry up their funding sources. The initiative directly supports Executive Order 14390's mandate to protect prospective visa applicants and U.S. petitioning employers from predatory fraud schemes (fake recruiters, fraudulent petition mills, visa-fee scams).

Fraudulent visa schemes, unauthorized "fixers," and organized criminal networks exploit applicants — often charging significant fees for false promises of guaranteed visa approvals, fabricated documentation, or insider access that does not exist. Simultaneously, the widespread circulation of misinformation — through social media, word of mouth, and predatory intermediaries — distorts applicants' understanding of the visa process, erodes trust in legitimate consular services, and drives individuals toward irregular migration pathways. These dynamics contribute directly to visa overstays and illegal immigration. Tips on visa scams in part generated from past such campaigns led to the 2025 criminal arrests in four countries, a large step forward in combatting these visa scam rings.

In FY 2025, the Consular Section at U.S. Embassy San Salvador executed a national fraud-prevention campaign designed to raise public awareness of common visa scams and promote use of official consular resources. A post-campaign study found that in general, Salvadorans may understand that fraud exists without feeling equipped or motivated to act differently. The FY 2026 campaign should therefore continue to raise awareness and drive action, such as verifying visa and/or H2 job offers and reporting fraud to the Embassy.

The FY 2026 fraud-prevention campaign will run for three months, from November 03rd, 2026, through February 15, 2027, and will operate at national scale across El Salvador. The campaign's primary audience is working-age adults between the ages of 18 and 45, with special emphasis on men aged 18 to 30, the demographic that data consistently identifies as having the highest visa overstay rates.

3. Scope of Work

The contractor shall design, produce, and implement a behaviorally informed, multimedia national campaign that:

• Deters visa fraud and illegal immigration

• Encourages verification of visa related offers

• Simplifies understanding legitimate visa pathways

• Promotes the U.S. Embassy as the sole authority for visa information

• Advises that criminals are perpetrating fake H-2 visa schemes

• Counters criminal networks exploiting Salvadorans through social media

The contractor shall integrate the FY 2025 strategic recommendations into all messaging, creative development, and media planning. The FY 2025 campaign analysis below recommends continuing to highlight the legal and criminal aspects of the fraud schemes. It is important to continue to expand the practice of verifying job offers directly with the applicant to help reduce fraud schemes before gaining momentum.

4. Strategic Framework (Based on FY2025 Study)

4.1 Continue Messaging

• Behavioral Approach — “Stop, question, verify”, the tagline of the FY 2025 campaign, remains the central communication axis.

• Legal Consequence Messaging — Reinforce risks and consequences of fraud.

• Fraud = Criminal Networks — Emphasize that fraud schemes are run by organized crime.

4.2 Ongoing Methods

• Facilitate Verification of H-2 job/visa officers — Provide direct calls to action (WhatsApp, links, QR codes).

• Simplify H-2 Visa Concepts — Use timelines, myths vs. reality visuals, and non-technical explanations.

• Equate fake H-2 visa schemes with criminal networks

5. Objectives

The contractor shall design the campaign to achieve the following:

• Increase the percentage of target audiences who verify visa related offers before acting.

• Increase understanding of legal consequences of visa fraud.

• Increase recognition that fraud schemes are run by criminal networks.

• Reduce confusion about H‑2 visa processes through simplified, visual explanations.

• Increase traffic to official Embassy channels for visa information.

• Reduce reliance on unauthorized visa “fixers.”

6. Tasks and Deliverables

Task 1 — Campaign Strategy & Work Plan

The contractor shall develop a strategy that integrates FY 2025’s findings and includes:

• Audience segmentation (urban/rural, 18–45, male 18–30 emphasis)

• Behavioral insights and message framing

• Media mix recommendations (social + traditional)

• Verification action pathways (QR codes, WhatsApp, links)

• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and measurement plan

Deliverables:

• Campaign Strategy Document

• Work Plan & Timeline

Task 2 — Creative Concept Development

The contractor shall produce 3–5 creative concepts aligned with the strategic framework.

Concepts must include:

• Behavioral “Stop, question, verify” core messaging about H-2 offers

• Legal consequences

• Criminal network framing

• Simplified H‑2 visa visuals

• Actions to take to verify potential scams

• Creative Concept Package (scripts, storyboards, mockups)

• Messaging Framework (Spanish + English)

Task 3 — Content Production

The contractor shall produce high quality multimedia content, including:

• Video spots (15s, 30s, 60s)

• Radio spots (15s, 30s)

• Short‑form social videos (Reels, Facebook)

• Static graphics (billboards, buses, print)

• Digital assets (web banners, carousels, WhatsApp shareables)

• H-2 visa simplified visuals (timelines, myths reality)

• Verification action tools (QR codes, direct links, WhatsApp CTA)

Deliverable:

• Full Production Package with all master files

Task 4 — Media Planning & Placement

The contractor shall:

• Identify media outlets with programming related to U.S. visas

• Prioritize platforms where criminal scammers operate (social media)

• Ensure nationwide reach (urban + rural)

• Optimize placements for men aged 18–30

• Provide monthly performance reports

• Media Plan

• Monthly Media Performance Reports

Task 5 — Monitoring, Evaluation & Final Report

The contractor shall:

• Conduct pre‑ and post‑campaign measurement

• Use up to $5,000 for a metrics and validation study

• Provide analytics dashboards

• Deliver a final evaluation report

Deliverable:

• Final Campaign Evaluation Report (due March 15)

7. Period of Performance

November 3rd, 2026 – February 15th, 2027 (Campaign execution), with a pause December 15th- 31st, 2026. Additional reporting through March 2027.

8. Place of Performance

Nationwide across El Salvador, with coordination meetings at the U.S. Embassy or virtual.

9. Government Furnished Information

The Embassy will provide:

• Official visa information

• Branding guidelines

• Access to subject matter experts

10. Contractor Requirements

The contractor must:

• Demonstrate experience in behavioral communication

• Have capacity for multimedia production and digital marketing

• Provide bilingual staff

• Comply with Embassy security protocols

*Please check evaluation factors and contract requirements*

11. Performance Standards

Performance will be evaluated based on:

• Quality and relevance of creative content

• Integration of FY 2025 strategic recommendations

• Reach and engagement of target audiences

• Effectiveness of verification pathways

• Timeliness of deliverables

12. Budget

Total budget: $100,000, including:

• Up to $5,000 for metrics and validation study

• All production, media placement, and outreach costs

13. Acceptance Criteria

Deliverables must:

• Aligned with Embassy messaging

• Integrate FY2025 strategic recommendations

• Meet quality standards

For additional information on H-2…