19GE5026Q0122-CombinedSynopsisSolicitation.pdf

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Regional Procurement Support Office (RPSO)

Giessener Strasse 30

60435 Frankfurt am Main

Germany

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION 19GE5026Q0122

The U.S. Government seeks to establish a single Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract for Hungary Consultant for supporting SMR outreach and market development for the U.S. Mission to the European Union – Brussels, Belgium.

Offerors must demonstrate the capability to provide expertise and advisory services to help develop concrete projects in the country and region with

Hungarian and regional partners, and other stakeholders, as deemed necessary, consistent with recent nuclear energy policy announcements, with a focus on

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

Notice: One or more of the items under this acquisition is subject to the World

Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement and Free Trade

Agreements.

Purchase Restriction: Unless offers for U.S.-made or designated country end products/services are either not received or are insufficient to fulfill the requirements, only U.S.-made end products/services or designated country end products/services will be considered (FAR 25.403(a)). See FAR 52.225-5 for definition of a “designated country”.

Type of Contract:

The Government intends to award a contract consisting of Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP)

CLINs for the services required in the SOW. The FFP price shall include all costs associated with contract performance, including travel.

I. General

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services prepared in accordance with FAR Part 12 and issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). This announcement constitutes the only solicitation. Offers are being requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

This acquisition is conducted pursuant to the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO).

The RFO applies to this acquisition unless otherwise determined by the

Contracting Officer in writing.

Solicitation number 19GE5026Q0122 is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ).

This acquisition is not set-aside for small business concerns. This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference. The full text of provisions and clauses may be accessed electronically at www.acquisition.gov.

The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is

541690 - Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services and PCS R499 -

Other Professional Services.

II. Itemized Line Items

Itemized Line-Item pricing is listed on Attachment 1 to include individual sub-line items, which is to be completed by the offeror and incorporated as contract pricing after award. Pricing listed in Attachment 1 is to be for 5 (five) individual periods.

Description of Requirements

Statement of Work (SOW)

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

In response to industry calls for a cohesive public-private push to parallel the highly coordinated efforts from competitors, the U.S. government launched the

SMR Public Private Program (PPP) in 2020, that aims to promote the development and deployment of SMRs, with an initial focus on Europe and

Eurasia. The SMR PPP has proved successful in generating demand for SMR technologies, creating U.S. civil nuclear industry engagement with partner countries in Europe, facilitating interagency activities to drive project development through finance and regulatory support and has accelerated the timeline for the SMRs globally. Since 2020, the PPP has successfully piloted a program to hire a local contractor to advise, advocate and seek critical information from EU policy makers and industry. Given its initial success, the SMR PPP team wishes to expand this program across key European capitals to better support

SMR development and construction in the EU and on its borders (Moldova and

Ukraine) and coordinate member states and Brussels-level policy to facilitate industry development. The US Mission to the EU (USEU) and the US Embassy

Budapest seeks to engage a nuclear energy industry contractor based in Budapest, http://www.acquisition.gov/

Hungary. The Contractor shall provide all labor, services, tools, materials, equipment, transportation, supervision and all requirements necessary to accomplish the efforts described below for the consulting services. The contractor will work closely with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Foreign Commercial

Service Section in Budapest.

The contractor will provide expertise and advisory services to help develop concrete projects in the country and region with Hungarian and regional partners, and other stakeholders, as deemed necessary, consistent with recent nuclear energy policy announcements, with a focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

Additionally, this expert may support other neighboring countries, such as

Bulgaria, Romania or others as needed and per request for support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF NEED:

1. Support business development: Support USG engagement, initiatives and business facilitation for PPP member companies to make inroads with key utilities/off-takers, ministry officials, and other key partners in the deployment of

SMRs in Hungary and as applicable, the region. Incorporate specific strategic input from U.S. industry to propose business-to-business engagement and financing opportunities in target market, as needed.

HUNGARIAN-FOCUSED DELIVERABLES:

a. As needed, coordinate, arrange, and attend meetings between USG officials, member state government, local and regional officials, energy developers and suppliers, and potential off takers of SMR producers of power generation, hydrogen, and industrial/district heat.

b. As needed, design virtual and in-person trade missions for USG and potential industry partners.

2. Offer strategic counselling: As needed, the expert will be required to provide specific market perspectives, supply analysis of Hungarian and EU legislation affecting the energy sector, identify potential threats and opportunities impacting civil nuclear energy and SMR/advanced reactors and propose decision points for key member states in the assigned region.

a. As needed and per contract agreement, provide intelligence on Hungarian and applicable EU member state strategies and policies.

b. As needed, supply industry intelligence and strategies.

c. As needed, support USG with developing concise summary and talking points for key EU and member state policies.

The activities described in Sections 1 and 2 above describe the general scope of consulting services to be performed. The specific minimum deliverables and reporting requirements that constitute the contractor's FFP performance obligations are defined below.

Broad SMR PPP DELIVERABLES:

3. Support the SMR Industry Working Group’s quarterly meetings (SMR WG

QM) with industry: The expert will support the SMR WG, a Department of

Commerce-led working group with participation from seven U.S. government agencies and 40 U.S. industry members. The expert will support the team through providing proposed topics, speakers and draft agendas related to assigned Member

State/region and industry developments and opportunities for the quarterly meetings taking place in 2026 and 2027. In advance of the meetings, the expert will reach out to government and industry participants to ask for input on the proposed agendas and work with USG to incorporate into planning. The expert will participate in each meeting and provide a read out after each meeting. Please note that the quarterly meetings are traditionally virtual.

a. Agendas, including speaker suggestions and content, for the SMR WG QMs, starting with Q4 2026. Four meetings are traditionally held each year.

b. Follow-up actions post-meeting, and other items as needed.

c. Provide support for forums and regional workshops: The expert will support the development of regional workshops and forums with government and industry stakeholders as needed, including agenda creation, deliverables, talking points, briefings or other materials as needed.

d. As needed, provide recommendations/amendments for SMR strategies and/or workplans.

REQUIRED DELIVERABLES AND REPORTING:

The Contractor shall provide the following minimum deliverables during each period of performance:

1. Biweekly Market Update Reports: Formal written market update reports on contacts, projects, and notable developments, submitted every two (2) weeks to the COR. Format: email summary or brief memorandum (1-2 pages).

2. Monthly Written Reports: Written reports of approximately 3-6 pages summarizing meetings, events, and market developments for the preceding month.

Due no later than the 10th business day of the following month.

3. Semi-Annual Strategic Market Report: A comprehensive strategic market report of approximately 20-30 pages, due within six (6) months of the start of each contract period. The report shall include, at minimum:

• National, regional, and local government policies and opportunities affecting

SMR/nuclear energy development in Hungary and the assigned region;

• Recap of significant events, meetings, and stakeholder engagements;

• Strategic network mapping of key decision-makers, influencers, and stakeholders;

• Proposed USG engagement plan for the subsequent six-month period;

• Assessment of competitive landscape and threats/opportunities.

4. SMR Working Group Support: Attend and support a minimum of twelve (12)

SMR PPP interagency and/or Core team meetings per contract year, including preparation of proposed topics, speaker suggestions, draft agendas, and post-meeting readouts.

5. Quarterly Meeting Support: Support four (4) SMR Industry Working Group quarterly meetings per year, including agenda development, stakeholder outreach, participation, and follow-up action items.

6. Trade Mission Support: Design and support a minimum of one (1) virtual or in-person trade mission per contract year for USG and potential industry partners.

7. Ad Hoc Tasking: Review, provide feedback, and/or input into briefing papers, reports, talking points, or other materials as requested by the COR. Ad hoc tasking shall not exceed the overall scope of the FFP contract.

8. Weekly Check-ins: Participate in weekly (or more frequent, as needed) check-in calls with the COR to provide informal updates on market developments and opportunities.

All deliverables are subject to COR review and acceptance. The Contractor shall incorporate COR feedback within five (5) business days of receipt unless otherwise agreed.

The selected contractor will be required to work closely with the SMR PPP

Coordinator based in Brussels to support cohesive strategies across EU and adjacent markets as well as identifying needed actions at member state, regional and transatlantic policy and market perspectives.

The following is a brief description of the deliverables within this coordination responsibility:

● National Action plans reflecting a priority on near-term, project influencing/determining decision points and associated decision-makers and influencers.

● Engagement plans associated with both political and market-based assessments.

● Early notification of emerging competitive and/or opportunities to reinforce positive positions.

● Best estimates as to timelines, sequential steps and associated actions at the project/regulatory levels

● Support generic or in cases of down election, specific US technology offers in all respects – political advisory, financing options, key non-identified determinates affecting bid selections.

● Support regional information sharing, collaboration and harmonization.

● Support in national/community, and where applicable, regional communications strategies and messages.

● Facilitate introductions, organize meetings and attend key project/nuclear events.

● Determine 6-12 month significant milestones to which will be measured as success or failure.

A workweek shall be defined as Monday through Friday. The position hours are flexible and not expected to be full-time. The position will require approximately

20 hours a week, with prime working hours sometime between 9 and 4. This estimate is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute a guaranteed minimum or maximum level of effort. The contractor's FFP compensation is based on delivery of the required deliverables, not hours worked.

Some travel will be necessary for the position to meet and maintain the necessary regional contacts. Travel costs are included in the FFP contract price. The contractor is responsible for managing travel within the fixed-price structure to meet all deliverable requirements. The Government estimates that contract performance will require approximately 4-5 regional trips per year within Europe.

This estimate is provided for informational/pricing purposes only and does not guarantee a specific level of travel. All travel shall be coordinated with the COR in advance. All travel cost shall be included in the FFP CLIN for Standard services.

PARTIAL LIST OF SUCCESSFUL CONTRACTOR EXPERIENCE AND

CAPABILIITIES:

Contractor should be experienced in developing and implementing energy strategies and policies, with focus on nuclear energy. Contractor must be familiar with national decision-making requirements and have strong relationships with local decision makers and stakeholders to gather market and policy intelligence, to increase adoption and acceptance of nuclear energy through specific initiatives, including non-power applications. and strive to support integrated EU/member states financing. The contractor will seek to inform the U.S. Government (USG) on specific needs for project development, including regulations, legislation, timelines and financing opportunities, and report regularly on local and regional dynamics, including competitor activities.

The contractor will not perform inherently governmental functions, but will provide focused, timely analysis and intelligence on SMR developments in key markets in Europe. U.S. Government envisions seeking senior-level business executives or government leaders who have strong understanding of the local/national decision-making processes and relationships with decision makers.

The contractor will be expected to travel within his regional area of coverage for market analysis, to meet with counterparts, and to attend critical G2G meetings.

The EU is expected to be among the first to roll out SMRs by 2029 with demand expected to surpass Euro 250bn by 2050. SMRs represent a critical technology in supporting the U.S. and EU shared goal of reducing carbon emissions in the energy sector. In addition, the SMR PPP aims to counter influence from malign actors and highly politicized member states to ensure a fair and secure energy industry in the EU.

SMR PPP identified Budapest as a key capital to coordinate member state advocacy and support in-country efforts to support the development of nuclear projects.

The nuclear energy market in Hungary is a cornerstone of the country's electrical grid, and it is currently entering a major transitional phase characterized by expansion, shifting geopolitics, and technological diversification.

The U.S. has explicitly stated its goal is to help make Budapest a regional hub for

Central European SMR development and supply chain manufacturing. Following initial MoUs in late 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Hungarian officials signed a formal U.S.-Hungary Civil Nuclear Intergovernmental

Agreement. Hungary is also participating in the U.S. State Department’s

Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor

Technology (FIRST) program.

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

1. PURPOSE

This QASP defines how the Government will monitor contractor performance under this FFP contract. The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) is responsible for surveillance. Only the Contracting Officer (CO) may modify contract terms or authorize work outside the contract scope.

2. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

# Deliverable Standard AQL Surveillance

Method

Biweekly

Market

Update

Reports

1-2 pages;

every 2 weeks;

covers contacts, projects, developments

100% on-time; all elements addressed

COR review each submission

Monthly

Written

Reports

3-6 pages; due by 10th business day of following month

100% on-time;

substantive content

COR review each submission

Semi-Annual

Strategic

Market

Report

20-30 pages;

due within 6 months of period start;

all 5 required elements addressed

100% on-time; all elements with substantive analysis

COR review;

written acceptance/rejection

SMR

Working

Group

Support

Minimum 12 meetings/year;

preparation materials 3 business days prior

≥90% attendance

(11 of 12)

COR attendance tracking

Quarterly

Meeting

Support meetings/year;

agenda, outreach, participation, follow-up

100% (4 of

4)

COR review of materials

Trade

Mission

Support

Minimum 1 per contract year

100% (1 of

1)

COR review of plan and execution

7 Ad Hoc Responsive to Response COR tracking

# Deliverable Standard AQL Surveillance

Method

Tasking COR requests within

COR-

specified timeframe

(typically 5 business days)

Weekly

Check-ins

Weekly call with COR

≥90% (47 of 52 weeks)

COR tracking

COR

Feedback

Incorporation

Incorporate feedback within 5 business days

100% compliance COR tracking

3. PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT

• Quarterly: COR prepares brief assessment documenting deliverables received, timeliness, quality, and any concerns. Overall rating: Satisfactory /

Marginal / Unsatisfactory.

• Annually: COR prepares summary assessment with recommendation regarding option year exercise and input for CPARS (if applicable).

• Documentation: COR maintains a performance file with copies of deliverables, acceptance/rejection records, and assessments.

4. REMEDIES

Level Trigger Action

1 — Informal Isolated late/incomplete deliverable

COR written feedback;

contractor corrects within 5 business days

2 — Formal

Concern

Pattern of deficiencies

(3+ in a quarter)

COR issues written concern letter (copy to CO); contractor provides corrective action plan within 10 business days

3 — Cure Continued non- CO issues Cure Notice;

Level Trigger Action

Notice performance; failure to deliver material deliverables contractor has 10 days to cure

4 —

Termination Failure to cure CO may terminate for cause

Additional remedies include non-exercise of option years and negative CPARS entries.

5. KEY PERSONNEL

If Key Personnel becomes unavailable, the contractor must notify the CO/COR within 2 business days and propose a qualified replacement within 15 business days, subject to CO approval. Deliverables must continue per the Contingency

Staffing plan.

The Government will monitor contractor performance in accordance with the

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

Defense Base Act (DBA) Insurance

Hungary is included on the U.S. Department of Labor's Defense Base Act waiver list. DBA insurance is required only for employees performing work on this contract who are:

1. Citizens or residents of the United States of America, OR

2. Hired in the United States of America

Contractors must obtain and maintain Defense Base Act insurance coverage for any such employees throughout the contract period. Evidence of DBA insurance coverage must be provided to the Contracting Officer prior to the commencement of work by any covered employee. The clause at FAR 52.228-4, Workers'

Compensation and War-Hazard Insurance Overseas, remains fully applicable to this acquisition. Contractors must comply with all requirements therein and maintain appropriate insurance coverage for all employees as specified above.

Proof of DBA coverage shall be submitted within 15 days after award. Insurance must be obtained from a DOL-authorized broker. A list of DOL approved carriers may be found at http://www.dol.gov/owcp/dlhwc/lscarrier.htm. DBA premiums will be evaluated and reimbursed at actual cost, not to exceed the amount proposed for DBA, upon submission of acceptable proof of payment.

http://www.dol.gov/owcp/dlhwc/lscarrier.htm

Value Added Tax (VAT):

Value Added Tax (VAT) is included as a separate Line Item in the contract and on

Invoices. Local law dictates the portion of the contract price that is subject to VAT.

Contractors shall be responsible, wherever applicable, to pay the appropriate rate of

Value Added Tax, as required for all taxable goods and services. Offerors shall identify Value Added Tax (VAT) as a separate line item.

III. Date and Place of Performance

Period of Performance: The contract will have a 12-month base period, and four one-year option years.

Place of Performance: Performance will occur primarily in Budapest, Hungary, with regional travel to EU member states as required by the SOW. Virtual performance is permitted. A dedicated office space is not required; home-based operations in Budapest are acceptable. The contractor is solely responsible for securing any workspace necessary to fulfil the contract.

IV. Solicitation Provisions

The following provisions are incorporated by reference:

FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Products and Commercial

Services (Sep 2023) (RFO DEVIATION January 30, 2026)

FAR 52.225-17 Evaluation of Foreign Currency Offers (Feb 2000)

FAR 52.252-5 Authorized Deviations in Provisions (Nov 2020)

The following provisions are provided in full text:

DOSAR 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 officer for the solicitation. If concerns remain unresolved, contact:

(1) For solicitations issued by the Office of Global Acquisition (GA) or a Regional

Procurement Support Office (RPSO), the GA 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 mailto:AQMCompetitionAdvocate@state.gov mailto:cat@state.gov 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 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, Trena N. Mills, at (202) 704 2045.

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) 516-1680, by fax at (703) 875-6155, or write to: Department of State, Acquisition Ombudsman, Office of the Procurement Executive (A/OPE), Suite 603, SA-6, Washington, DC

20522-0602.

(End of provision)

V. Quotation Submission Instructions

Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instruction to Offerors - Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Sep 2023) (RFO Deviation Date January 30, 2026)

Pursuant to FAR 12.205(a)(1), the provision at FAR 52.212-1, Instruction to

Offerors - Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Jan 2026) is augmented as follows:

• Period for Acceptance of Quotations: The period for acceptance of quotations, as stated in FAR 52.212-1 (Nov 2025) (RFO DEVIATION

January 30, 2026), is extended from 60 calendar days to 90 calendar days.

• Preparation and Submission of Quotations: Each quotation shall consist of the following separate volumes:

VOLUME I – PRICE QUOTATION AND PHASE 1 PACKAGE

Offerors shall submit a complete Price Quotation and Phase1 package as Volume I.

Volume I shall be submitted as a separate volume from Volume II and shall not include any technical, management, or staffing information.

Offeror is to input their CLIN and sub-CLIN pricing rates into the attached pricing schedule, Attachment 1.

CLINs Designated "If Applicable":

CLINs 0002, 1002, 2002, 3002, 4002 (DBA Insurance) and CLINs 0003, 1003, 2003, 3003, 4003 (VAT) are designated "if applicable." Offerors shall complete these CLINs as follows:

• If the CLIN applies to the offeror: Enter the proposed price for each applicable period.

• If the CLIN does not apply to the offeror: Enter "$0.00" for each period and provide a brief statement in Volume I explaining the basis for non-applicability (e.g., "Offeror will not employ any DBA-covered employees" or "Offeror's operations are fully exempt from VAT under the PA exemption agreement").

Entering "$0.00" for "if applicable" CLINs with an adequate explanation will not render the quotation incomplete during the Phase 1 Compliance Review.

However, failure to address these CLINs entirely (i.e., leaving them blank with no explanation) may result in the quotation being determined incomplete.

The Government reserves the right to verify the accuracy of any non-applicability claim during the evaluation. If the Government determines that an offeror's staffing plan or operational approach requires DBA coverage or will incur VAT, but the offeror has entered "$0.00" without adequate justification, the Government may seek clarification or may determine the quotation to be technically unacceptable.

Requirements:

1. Price Schedule

Present the Offeror’s price proposal completing Attachment 1, providing a price proposal for Base and Option years. This volume may contain price figures only;

no technical, management, or staffing narrative shall be included beyond what is strictly necessary to explain the pricing and billing structure. All technical approach and Plan of Action information shall be provided exclusively in Volume

II – Technical Quotation.

For the FFP CLINs, the total price shall include all labor, equipment, materials, overhead, profit, insurance, and all other expenses necessary to deliver the required services. No additional sums will be payable on account of any escalations in the cost of materials, equipment, or labor, or because of the

Contractor’s failure to properly estimate or accurately predict the cost or difficulty of achieving the results required by this agreement. Nor will the price be adjusted on account of fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

Total Evaluated Price = Total FFP Price (all CLINs, all periods) + Total

DBA (all periods, at offeror's proposed amount) + Total VAT (all periods, at offeror's proposed amount).

Notes:

• DBA CLINs (0002, 1002, 2002, 3002, 4002) will be evaluated at each offeror's proposed amount. Offerors not subject to DBA requirements shall enter "$0.00."

• VAT CLINs (0003, 1003, 2003, 3003, 4003) will be evaluated at each offeror's proposed amount. Offerors claiming full VAT exemption shall enter "$0.00" and provide the basis for exemption in Volume I.

Offers submitted without complete pricing for all periods of performance may be considered incomplete and may be rejected.

2. Representations & Certifications

Offerors shall complete all applicable representations and certifications contained in Attachment 3 - Representations & Certifications. Any missing or incomplete representations or certifications may render the quotation incomplete.

3. System for Award Management (SAM) Registration

Offerors must include a proof of active registration on System for Award

Management (SAM) with their quotation. SAM registration is required at time of award.

4. Tax Documentation for Foreign Offerors (IRS Form W-14)

Non-U.S. offerors that claim an exemption from, or a reduced rate of, U.S.

withholding tax under an applicable income tax treaty shall submit a completed

IRS Form W-14, Certificate of Foreign Contracting Party Receiving Federal

Procurement Payments, provided as Attachment 4 - IRS Form W-14.

Pursuant to FAR 52.229-11, Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements—Notice and

Representation, the United States Government is required to collect tax-related information prior to contract award. Offerors shall ensure that IRS Form W-14 is accurate and complete prior to submission. Instructions for completing the form are provided in Attachment 5 - Instructions to Complete IRS Form W-14.

Failure to submit IRS Form W-14 when applicable will result in tax withholding at the full statutory rate.

VOLUME II – TECHNICAL QUOTATION

The Technical Quotation shall demonstrate the offeror’s capability to meet the requirements of the solicitation and the performance standards described in the

SOW. No pricing information shall appear in this volume.

1. Technical Offer:

1.1 Organizational Capability

The Offeror shall provide a detailed narrative describing its organizational capability to perform the required services under a single prime-contractor structure. At a minimum, the narrative shall include:

• Offeror’s legal name, business address, and type of business entity;

• A description of the Offeror’s core business activities relevant to consultant services;

• A comprehensive description of the Offeror’s experience acting as the prime contractor for similar project.

• The Offeror shall describe its existing operational capability in the country, including in‑country personnel or registered business presence;

1.2 Key Personnel

This contract requires one (1) Key Personnel position: Senior SMR/Nuclear Energy

Consultant. The offeror shall propose one individual to serve as the primary consultant performing all services under this contract.

For the proposed Key Personnel, provide:

• Name and proposed role;

• Resume (not to exceed 3 pages) demonstrating relevant experience, qualifications, and relationships in the nuclear energy or broader energy sector, with emphasis on the Hungarian and/or Central European market;

• Demonstrated experience developing market intelligence and managing strategic government and industry relationships;

• Current location and availability to begin performance within 15 days of contract award;

• Description of the individual's existing network of contacts relevant to

Hungarian and EU energy policy and nuclear energy development.

1.2.1 Contingency Staffing: The offeror shall briefly describe its plan for continuity of services in the event the proposed Key Personnel becomes unavailable (e.g., illness, departure). Identify any backup personnel or describe the process for identifying a qualified replacement, subject to Contracting Officer approval.

1.3 Technical Approach and Management Plan

The Offeror shall provide a narrative of its approach to performing the services described in the SOW. The Technical Approach and Management Plan shall be sufficiently specific to demonstrate a clear understanding of the SOW requirements and the unique challenges of executing this contract in the listed locations.

1.4 Certification and Data on Contractor's Recruitment of Third Country

Nationals (TCNs)

This section applies only if the offeror intends to recruit or employ Third Country

Nationals (TCNs) in the performance of this contract. If the offeror does not intend to recruit or employ TCNs, the offeror shall state 'Not Applicable — Offeror does not intend to recruit or employ TCNs for this contract' in lieu of the documentation described below. A statement of non-applicability will satisfy this submission requirement and will not render the quotation incomplete.

If the offeror does intend to recruit or employ TCNs, the following documentation is required:

1. If the Offeror has certified in the Representations & Certifications that it will recruit TCNs for performance under the resulting contract and has certified that it will provide accommodation for the listed TCNs, provide a (1) Recruitment Plan,

(2) a Housing Plan and (3) the statements required by DOSAM 652.222-800.

If the offeror has certified in Representations & Certifications that it will recruit

TCNs for performance under the resulting contract and has certified that it will not provide accommodation for the listed TCNs, provide a (1) Recruitment Plan and

(2) the statements required by DOSAM 652.222-800.

In all cases, the submitted documentation shall demonstrate compliance with solicitation requirements and applicable regulations governing the recruitment and employment of TCNs.

Failure to furnish and deliver all requested information in accordance with these instructions or who reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation, may result in exclusion from further consideration pursuant to FAR 52.212-1(a).

2. Past Performance

The Offeror shall demonstrate successful performance of a minimum of three (3) comparable projects performed within the past five (5) years. Comparable projects are those that demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Development and delivery of market intelligence or strategic analysis in the energy sector, with preference for nuclear energy experience;

• Management of strategic government and/or industry stakeholder relationships in European markets;

• Advisory or consulting services supporting government-to-government or public-private energy initiatives;

• Experience with Hungarian, Central European, or EU energy policy environments.

Projects need not be identical in scope to this requirement but should demonstrate the offeror's ability to provide the type of senior-level strategic consulting and relationship management required under this contract. The Government will evaluate the relevance, recency, and quality of past performance, with emphasis on the length and breadth of the offeror's demonstrated experience. For each reference, provide:

• Project title and description of services

• Customer name and type (government, commercial, non-profit)

• Contract/project value (approximate)

• Period of performance

• Location

• Point of contact name, title, email, and phone number

• Relevance to this requirement (brief description)

If you are a newly formed entity or joint venture, you may provide past performance information for predecessor companies or joint venture partners.

Clearly identify the relationship.

Note: The Government may contact references not provided by the offeror and may use other sources of past performance information, including CPARS and other government databases.

Evaluation

The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible Offeror whose quotation conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors will be used to evaluate quotations:

1. Technical Capability and Past Performance

2. Price

The Government intends to utilize streamlined evaluation techniques under FAR

12.201-1 Simplified Procedures for Commercial Services to promote efficiency.

The Government will conduct a pre-screening of all quotations under Phase 1:

Compliance Review.

Phase 1 (Compliance Review) is a threshold determination conducted on a pass/fail basis only. No qualitative assessment of technical merit, past performance, or price reasonableness will occur during Phase 1. Quotations will be reviewed solely to determine that all required items, volumes, and information have been provided as required by this solicitation.

Quotations that do not pass the Compliance Review will not proceed to the comparative evaluation under Phase 2.

The source selection will be conducted using the comparative evaluation method, as authorized under FAR 12.203. Comparative evaluation entails a direct comparison of two or more quotations on an item-by-item basis to determine which offers the best value to the Government. Evaluation criteria will include technical capability, past performance, and price, as specified in this solicitation.

This is not a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) source selection.

However, the Government may award to the lowest-priced quotation if it is determined to offer the best overall value based on the evaluation criteria.

Past Performance is more important than Technical Capability. Technical Capability and Past Performance, when combined, are slightly more important than Price.

The Government places particular emphasis on the offeror's demonstrated experience in developing and providing market intelligence, managing strategic contacts and stakeholder relationships, and relevant experience in the nuclear energy or broader energy sector. The Government may award to a quoter whose quotation offers superior past performance and technical capability, even if that quotation is not the lowest-priced, provided the additional cost represents value to the

Government

(b) Options. The Government will evaluate quotations for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement.

The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. The evaluation of options does not obligate the

Government to exercise the option(s).

BASIS FOR AWARD

Evaluation Process and Factors

Phase 1: Compliance Review (Pass/Fail)

1. Submission of a complete quotation that includes all required information identified in the solicitation, as listed in Volume I and Volume II; this review will include the submission of complete pricing for all CLINs across all periods of performance (Base Year + Options), with the exception of CLINs designated

"if applicable".

2. Completed Attachment 3 – Representations & Certifications;

3. To demonstrate eligibility, offerors must include proof of active SAM registration with their quotation.

After the compliance review, offers that do not meet the solicitation’s basic submission requirements or fail mandatory representations/certifications will be excluded from further consideration. Remaining offers will proceed to comparative evaluation based on technical capability, past performance, and price.

Phase 2:

Comparative Evaluation: Overall technical evaluation will be comparative among all Phase 2 offers and may support selection of a technically superior solution, even if priced higher. Comparative assessment may be used as a discriminator to support selection of a technically or commercially superior offer, where justified.

1) Technical Capability

• Technical capability will be evaluated to determine the degree to which the offeror’s proposed solution meets the solicitation requirements and provides value to the Government. The successful offeror will present a complete offer that respond to all the requirements listed under Volume

II – Technical Quotation. It will include a review and evaluation of each element of the Technical proposal identified in the Volume II, and in particular it will evaluate Organizational Capability, Key Personnel and contingency Staffing, Technical Approach and Management Plan, and if applicable Certification and Data on Contractor's Recruitment of

TCNs.

• Emphasis will be on the quality, feasibility, and strength of the proposed solution, and whether the quotation offers any comparative technical advantages over other offers.

2) Past Performance

• Past performance will be considered to assess the offeror’s demonstrated ability to successfully perform relevant commercial or government contracts.

• Evaluation will focus on quality of services performed, timeliness of performance, customer satisfaction, and record of compliance with contractual requirements.

• If past performance information is not available or limited, the offeror’s past performance will be rated as “Unknown.” A rating of “Unknown” will not automatically disqualify an offer but may be treated as neutral in comparative assessments.

Price:

• Price will be evaluated primarily for reasonableness relative to the scope of commercial services being acquired. Price reasonableness will be assessed using the Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) and through competition.

Responsibility Determination:

The Government will determine contractor responsibility by analyzing whether the apparent successful offeror complies with the requirements of FAR 9.1, including:

a. adequate financial resources or the ability to obtain them;

b. ability to comply with the required performance period, taking into consideration all existing commercial and governmental business commitments;

c. satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics;

d. necessary organization, experience, and skills or the ability to obtain them;

e. necessary equipment and facilities or the ability to obtain them; and

f. otherwise qualified and eligible to receive an award under applicable laws and regulations.

VI. Contract Clauses

See Attachment 2 – Schedule and Clauses for the clauses that apply to the acquisition.

VII. Due Dates and Point of Contact

Submission of Questions

Any questions, comments, exceptions, or clarifications concerning any aspect of the solicitation shall be prepared in writing and submitted to Ms. Gallone at

GalloneA@state.gov, and BaltaA@state.gov, no later than 12:00 Central

European Summer Time (CEST) on August 5, 2026. The email subject line must read “Questions 19GE5026Q0122.” Late questions may not be considered.

Submission of Offers

Quotations shall be submitted as soon as possible but no later than 10:00 Central

European Summer Time (CEST) on August 19, 2026, email at

Gallonea@state.gov, and copy to BaltaA@state.gov. The email subject line must read “Quotation 19GE5026Q0122.”

Price evaluation will focus on the FFP CLIN pricing proposed by each quoter.

mailto:GalloneA@state.gov mailto:BaltaA@state.gov mailto:Gallonea@state.gov

Offerors are advised to carefully review and follow all submission instructions to ensure consistency and compliance. Volume I and Volume II shall be submitted electronically as separate files, in formats compatible with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, or Adobe PDF, as applicable. Each email submission must not exceed 45 MB in total size. Late submissions will not be considered. The

Government will not be responsible for any failure to receive quotations due to excessive file size or incompatible file formats.

Offerors are encouraged to submit inquiries in writing via email. No phone calls will be accepted. All questions must be received no later than the date specified in the solicitation to ensure a timely response. All responsible sources may submit a quotation which will be considered by the agency.

Failure to furnish and deliver all requested information in accordance with these instructions may result in exclusion from further consideration pursuant to FAR

52.212-1(a).

VIII. Additional information

List of Attachments

Attachment 1 – Price Breakdown

Attachment 2 - Schedule and Clauses

Attachment 3 - Representations & Certifications

Attachment 4 - IRS FormW-14

Attachment 5 - Instructions for IRS Form W-14

Applicable Laws and Regulations

This solicitation and the ensuring award are subject to laws and regulations of the

United States of America.

END OF COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION