19GE5026R0007.pdf

COMBINED SYSNOPSIS & SOLICITATION

Regional Switchboard Services U.S. Diplomatic Posts in Europe

SOLICITATION NO. 19GE5026R0007

Issued by:

Regional Procurement Support Office Giessener Strasse 30 60435 Frankfurt am Main Germany

December 5, 2025

Combined Synopsis and Solicitation

Solicitation Number 19GE5026R0007

Regional Procurement Support Office (RPSO) Frankfurt hereby issues this Combined Synopsis and Solicitation for Regional Switchboard Services in support of U.S. embassies and consulates throughout Europe. All interested and responsible sources may submit an offer in accordance with the instructions, terms, and conditions contained in this solicitation.

Type of Contract:

The Government intends to award multiple firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts, up to a maximum of two, as a result of this solicitation. However, depending on the results of the evaluation, the Government may award only one contract. Task orders will be issued under the awarded contracts to obtain the required services, in accordance with the stated minimum and maximum quantities specified in the solicitation.

For each task order, the Government will conduct continued competition among all awardees.

Contractors holding an IDIQ award will be provided the opportunity to submit task-order proposals, and the Government will evaluate those proposals in accordance with the procedures established under the contract. Task orders will be awarded to the IDIQ contractor whose proposal represents the best value to the Government for the specific requirement.

The total price shall include all labor, equipment, delivery charges, materials, overhead, profit, insurance, warranty, customs clearance, and all other expenses necessary to deliver the required supplies. 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 contract. Nor will the contract price be adjusted on account of fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Regional Procurement Support Office (RPSO)

Giessener Strasse 30

60435 Frankfurt am Main

Germany

Tel: +49 (69) 7535-3345

Email: GruenbeckP@state.gov mailto:GruenbeckP@state.gov

List of Attachments:

Attachment 1: Schedule & Contract Clauses

Attachment 2: Price Proposal Breakdown

Attachment 3: Representations & Certifications

Attachment 4: IRS Form W-14

Attachment 5: Instructions to Complete IRS Form W-14

Attachment 6: Sample Handbook with Scripts

Attachment 7: Sample Daily Log

Term of Contract:

(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; offers are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

(ii) The solicitation number is 19GE5026R0007 and is issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP), unless otherwise indicated herein.

(iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2025-06, effective October 1, 2025.

(iv) This acquisition will be competed to the maximum extent practicable under FAR 13

Simplified Acquisition Procedures. In accordance with FAR 19.000(b)(1)(ii), overseas acquisitions are not required to be set-aside. The applicable North American Industry

Classification System (NAICS) code is 561421 – Telephone Answering Services.

(v) Itemized List – Line Item Numbers, Descriptions, Quantities, and Units:

The Government intends to award multiple Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, up to a maximum of two awards, consisting of one Base Year and two Option Years.

Offerors shall submit a complete price proposal using the Price Proposal Breakdown in

Attachment 2 and shall provide pricing for the Base Year only. Option Year pricing is not required at this stage. Base Year pricing will be used exclusively for proposal evaluation and for issuance of the initial task order upon contract award. The Base Year price breakdown is required for the Government to evaluate price reasonableness and completeness. Failure to submit a fully completed Base Year price breakdown may result in the offer not being considered for award.

Pricing for future task orders issued under the IDIQ will be subject to continued competition at the task-order level among the awardees. Contractors will be requested to propose prices for each task order based on the specific requirements, quantities, and service levels identified by the

Government at that time.

The firm-fixed price shall include all materials, equipment, labor, overhead, profit, general liability insurance, and transportation necessary to deliver the required services. No additional sums will be payable due to any escalation in the cost of materials, equipment, transportation, general liability insurance, labor, or due to the Contractor’s failure to properly estimate or accurately predict the cost or difficulty of performing the required services. The contract price will not be adjusted based on fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Price adjustments will be made only for changes directed by the Government or delays caused by the Government. Any cost element not separately priced will be considered included within overhead or other indirect costs.

(vi) Description of Requirements:

Refer to Attachment 1, Schedule and Contract Clauses, for the full description of the

Government’s requirements. This attachment outlines the Statement of Work (SOW), the applicable clauses, performance obligations, and conditions that will govern the resulting contract. Offerors are responsible for reviewing the requirements in their entirety and must demonstrate, within their proposal, a clear and feasible approach to meeting all stated performance, delivery, and compliance obligations. Failure to address any portion of the requirements may render the offer incomplete.

(vii) Performance Location and Acceptance Terms:

The Contractor shall perform regional switchboard services at the location(s) proposed in their technical submission. Services may be performed in one or more countries or territories. If services are performed in more than one country or territory, the Contractor shall clearly disclose all locations in the proposal.

If, after award, the Contractor needs to add, remove, or change a place of performance, the

Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing before implementing the change.

Approval from the Contracting Officer is required for any such modification.

The Contractor shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations, decrees, and ordinances in every country or territory where performance occurs. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that no services are performed in any country or territory prohibited under U.S. laws and regulations.

The Government will assess performance through continuous monitoring and quality-assurance reviews. Performance acceptance will be based on the Contractor’s compliance with the standards stated in the SOW and task orders.

Defense Base Act (DBA) Insurance

DBA insurance is waived by the Department of Labor for the countries listed on the DoL Active

DBA Waiver List: www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dlhwc/dbawaivers/dbawaivers. DBA coverage is still required for U.S. citizens, U.S. residents, and any individuals hired in the United States.

Proof of DBA coverage shall be submitted within 15 days after award. Insurance must be obtained from a DOL-authorized broker. DBA premiums will be evaluated as part of the firm fixed price and reimbursed only with proof of payment.

If the place of performance is not on the waiver list, DBA coverage is required for all personnel regardless of nationality. If the place of performance is on the waiver list, DBA coverage is not required for Host Country Nationals or Third Country Nationals, but remains required for U.S.

citizens, U.S. residents, and individuals hired in the United States.

(viii) FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Products and Commercial

Services (Sep 2023), applies to this acquisition and is incorporated by reference.

Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instruction to Offerors - Commercial Products and

Commercial Services (Sep 2023)

Pursuant to FAR 12.302(d), the provision at FAR 52.212-1, Instruction to Offerors - Commercial

Products and Commercial Services (Sep 2023) is augmented as follows:

1. Period for Acceptance of Offers: The period for acceptance of offers, as stated in FAR

52.212-1 (Sep 2023), is extended from 30 calendar days to 90 calendar days.

2. Preparation and Submission of Offers: Each offer shall consist of the following separate volumes.**

• Volume 1 – Price Proposal.

• Volume 2 – Technical Proposal http://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dlhwc/dbawaivers/dbawaivers

Volume Requirements

1 Price Proposal, include:

• Completed Attachment 2, Price Proposal Breakdown for the Base

Year only

• Completed Attachment 3, Representations & Certifications

• Provide Proof of System for Award Management (SAM) registration

• Completed Attachment 4, IRS W-14 Form, if applicable

2 Technical Proposal to include:

• Company Profile

• Key Personnel and Resumes

• Comprehensive Plan of Action

• Quality Assurance Management Plan

• List of Countries or Territories for Work Performance

• Past Performance and Experience

• Recruitment Plan and/or Housing Plan, if applicable

**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(b)(11). The penalty for making false statements is prescribed in 18 USC 1001.

Volume 1 – Price Proposal:

Offerors shall submit a complete Price Proposal containing all items listed below. The Price

Proposal shall be separated from the Technical Proposal and contain no technical information.

1. Completed Price Proposal Breakdown (Attachment 2)

Offerors shall submit a complete Price Proposal Breakdown using Attachment 2. The breakdown shall show all price-per-call elements required by the solicitation and shall reflect Base Year pricing only. Proposals submitted without complete Base Year pricing will be considered incomplete and may be rejected.

2. Completed Representations and Certifications (Attachment 3)

Offerors shall complete all applicable representations and certifications contained in the template. Any missing or incomplete representations may result in rejection.

3. Proof of SAM Registration

Offerors shall provide evidence of an active registration in the System for Award Management

(SAM) in accordance with FAR 52.204-13, System for Award Management Maintenance. The

SAM registration must be active at the time of proposal submission and must remain active throughout the evaluation, award process, and the entire period of contract performance.

Offerors shall submit a separate document showing one of the following:

• A screenshot confirming the entity’s active SAM registration status, or

• A copy of the official SAM entity registration confirmation.

Failure to provide evidence of active SAM registration may result in the proposal being considered incomplete.

4. Completed IRS Form W-14 (Attachment 4), if applicable

Volume 2 – Technical Proposal:

The Technical Proposal 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. Company Profile

• Company legal name, address, and ownership structure

• Description of offered services relevant to call center or switchboard operations

• Organizational structure and corporate resources supporting contract performance

2. Key Personnel and Resumes

• Provide the resume of the supervisor being proposed for this contract.

• Submit the resume of the personnel proposed as the operator for this contract. Resumes must demonstrate English proficiency, proficiency in any required local languages, and relevant experience as a telephone operator or customer service representative, as required by the SOW.

3. Comprehensive Plan of Action

Offerors shall submit a detailed Comprehensive Plan of Action describing how they will meet all requirements of the Statement of Work (SOW) and ensure uninterrupted switchboard operations across multiple U.S. embassies. The plan shall demonstrate the offeror’s operational methodology, management approach, and capability to maintain service continuity under all foreseeable circumstances.

At a minimum, the Comprehensive Plan of Action shall address the following:

a. Surge and Emergency Response

• Procedures for handling increased call volumes during emergencies, crises, or high-impact events.

• Ability to scale staffing quickly to support unpredictable or sustained call surges.

• Processes for monitoring call queues and reallocating resources in real time.

b. Continuity of Operations

• Plans for maintaining service delivery during personnel shortages, operator unavailability, or turnover.

• Mitigation strategies for technical failures, including VOIP outages, system interruptions, or loss of connectivity.

• Use of redundant systems, backup power, and automatic failover procedures.

• Shift coverage plans ensuring 24/7, after-hours, or working-hours support as specified in task orders.

c. Flexible Work Arrangements

• Approach to implementing remote operations, hybrid staffing, or distributed teams, if proposed.

• Processes for verifying operator readiness, supervision, and secure access when working remotely.

• Plans for maintaining quality assurance and data protection during remote operations.

If applicable, offerors shall include information in their technical proposal on how they plan to use AI in the implementation of the switchboard services, for example using AI for translation services and knowledge management.

If AI is proposed, the Comprehensive Plan of Action shall include:

1. Description of AI Use: Specific AI tools to be used and the functions they will support

(e.g., translation, knowledge management).

2. Accuracy and Oversight: How the offeror will ensure AI accuracy and how operators will respond when AI outputs are incorrect or unavailable.

3. Continuity and Failover: Backup procedures ensuring uninterrupted service if AI tools fail or cannot be used.

4. Data Protection: Measures to ensure security, confidentiality, and compliance with U.S.

Government data-handling requirements.

5. Training: How operators will be trained to use AI tools, recognize errors, and escalate issues.

Offerors must clearly state that the use of AI does not replace or diminish their responsibility to meet all SOW requirements.

5. Quality Assurance Management Plan

Offerors shall submit a Quality Assurance Management Plan as part of their technical proposal.

The plan shall describe the offeror’s approach to ensuring consistent, reliable, and compliant performance of all switchboard services required under this contract. At a minimum, the plan shall address:

• Methods for monitoring operator performance, including call handling, accuracy, response times, and adherence to scripts and escalation procedures.

• Processes for ensuring continuity of operations, including surge capacity, backup systems, and mitigation of staffing or technical disruptions.

• Procedures for identifying, documenting, and correcting performance deficiencies, including repeat errors and customer complaints.

• A clearly defined process and communication channel through which the Contractor will receive and track complaints from callers.

The Quality Assurance Management Plan must demonstrate a clear, structured, and feasible approach to delivering high-quality switchboard services across all participating Posts.

6. List of Countries or Territories for Work Performance

Offerors shall identify all proposed locations where personnel will perform work under this contract. If performance will take place in more than one country, all locations shall be listed.

This list must align with DBA requirements and place-of-performance restrictions in the solicitation.

In accordance with DOSAR 652.242-73 Authorization and Performance, the offeror shall submit a written certification confirming that the company is authorized to operate and conduct business in the country where the services will be performed. The place of performance shall not be in countries or territories that are prohibited by the laws and regulations of the United States of

America.

7. Past Performance and Experience

Offerors shall provide three (3) references for the most relevant experience performed within the past three (3) years. Each reference shall demonstrate the offeror’s prior experience performing services similar in scope and complexity. For each contract, the offeror shall provide customer name, point of contact, email, phone number

8. Certification and Information for Third Country Nationals (TCNs)

In addition to the certification submitted under Part II, Representations and Certifications, in

Attachment 3, offerors shall provide the following supplemental documentation concerning the recruitment and housing of Third Country Nationals (TCNs) as part of the technical proposal:

(i) If the offeror certifies that it will provide housing for the identified TCNs, the offeror shall also submit:

• A detailed Recruitment Plan,

• A comprehensive Housing Plan, and

• The certifications and statements required under Subparts 2 and 3 of DOSAM 652.222-

800 of Part II, Contract Clauses, in Attachment 1.

These documents shall clearly demonstrate how the offeror will recruit and house TCNs in compliance with solicitation requirements and applicable regulations.

(ii) If the offeror certifies that it will not provide housing for the TCNs, the offeror shall still submit:

• A detailed Recruitment Plan, and

• The certifications and statements required under Subpart 3 of DOSAM 652.222-800.

Although a Housing Plan is not required in this case, the offeror shall still show how it will meet its obligations regarding recruitment and compliance under the terms of the contract.

(ix) FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation - Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021)

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

The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

1. Compliance Review

2. Technical Capability

3. Past Performance

4. Price

(b) Options (if applicable). The Government will evaluate offers 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.

Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the

Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of provision)

Addendum to FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation – Commercial Products and Commercial Services

(Nov 2021)

The Government will conduct an initial compliance review of all offers received to assess completeness and adherence to the terms of the solicitation. Offers that are incomplete or fail to comply with the requirements may be rejected in accordance with FAR 52.212-1(b)(11).

In accordance with FAR 13.106-2(b)(4)(ii), the Government intends to utilize streamlined evaluation techniques under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) to promote efficiency.

Following the compliance review, the Government will pre-screen offers and identify those demonstrating initial indicators of best value. Only these offers will proceed to the comparative evaluation phase.

The source selection will be conducted using the comparative evaluation method, as authorized under FAR 13.106-2(b)(3). Comparative evaluation entails a direct comparison of two or more offers 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) or trade-off 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.

The Government intends to award multiple Indefinite-Delivery Infinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contracts that includes a one-year base year plus two (2) 12-month options, resulting from this solicitation.

Evaluation Process and Factors:

Factor 1: Compliance Review

1. A complete pricing and technical offer that include all required information identified in the solicitation;

2. A completed Representation and Certifications;

3. Past performance information; and

4. Proof of active registration status in the System for Award Management (SAM).

After the compliance review of all offers, the Government will exclude those that do not meet the basic standards from further consideration for award. The remaining offers will undergo a comparative evaluation based on technical capability, price, and past performance.

Factor 2: Technical Capability

The Government will evaluate Volume 2, Technical Proposal, to determine the offeror’s ability to meet the requirements of the Statement of Work (SOW). Technical capability will be evaluated on the basis of a direct comparison to other offers to discern if any technical quality advantages exist that would support an award to a higher priced offer. This evaluation will focus on the quality, feasibility, and strength of the proposed technical solutions.

Company Profile

The Government will evaluate the offeror’s organizational structure, corporate resources, and experience providing services similar to switchboard or call center operations. The evaluation will consider the offeror’s ability to support performance at multiple Posts.

Key Personnel and Resumes

The Government will evaluate whether the proposed supervisor and operator(s) possess the qualifications required by the SOW, including language proficiency and prior experience in telephone operator or customer service roles. The adequacy of staffing and supervisory oversight will also be assessed.

Comprehensive Plan of Action

The Government will evaluate the offeror’s approach to meeting all technical and operational requirements in the SOW, including:

• Surge and emergency response

• Continuity of operations

• Flexible work arrangements

• Ability to maintain uninterrupted service across multiple Posts

If the offeror proposes the use of AI, the Government will evaluate:

• The clarity and suitability of proposed AI tools

• Accuracy and oversight mechanisms

• Failover procedures

• Data protection safeguards

• Training for operators

Quality Assurance Management Plan

The Government will evaluate the offeror’s Quality Assurance Management Plan, including:

• Methods for monitoring operator performance

• Corrective action processes

• Continuity-of-operations measures

• Procedures for identifying and resolving performance deficiencies

• The Caller Complaint-Handling Channel, including the mechanism for callers to submit complaints directly to the Government and how the contractor will ensure such complaints are tracked, forwarded, and addressed without alteration

The plan must demonstrate a structured and feasible approach to ensuring consistent, compliant service delivery.

List of Countries or Territories for Work Performance

The Government will evaluate whether the proposed locations of performance comply with solicitation requirements, including DOSAR 652.242-73 authorization, DBA applicability, and restrictions on prohibited countries.

Certification and Information for Third Country Nationals (TCNs)

If applicable, the Government will evaluate the offeror’s recruitment and housing documentation to ensure compliance with DOSAM 652.222-800. The evaluation will consider whether the offeror demonstrates sufficient controls and processes to comply with TCN recruitment, housing (if applicable), and regulatory requirements.

Factor 3: Past Performance

Past performance will be evaluated to assess the offeror’s ability to successfully perform similar contracts in the past, with a focus on quality, timeliness, and customer satisfaction.

Past performance is defined as the extent to which an offeror, its subcontractors, or teaming partners have satisfied contract requirements and met customer expectations. In instances where the offeror, subcontractor, or teaming partner does not have a record of relevant past performance, or where past performance information is unavailable or so limited that no meaningful confidence assessment can be assigned, the offeror’s past performance shall be rated as "Unknown." For evaluation purposes, a rating of "Unknown" shall be considered

"Acceptable."

The evaluation may include a comparative assessment of past performance across proposals. A meaningful distinction in past performance may be used as a discriminator in the source selection decision, particularly where the Government has a high expectation—based on an offeror’s performance record—that the offeror is likely to successfully perform the required effort, thereby justifying an award to a higher-priced offer.

Factor 4: Price

The Government will evaluate price to determine whether the offeror’s proposed pricing is reasonable for award of a multiple-award IDIQ contract. For evaluation purposes, the pricing tables are structured to calculate the grand total proposed price for the Base Year. The comparison of Base Year total prices among offerors will serve as the primary basis for assessing price competition. Following contract award, individual task orders issued under the

IDIQ will be subject to continued competition among all awardees, and pricing for each task order will be evaluated separately at the time of order placement.

In accordance with FAR 13.106-3(a), the price reasonableness on competitive offers will be evaluated. This will involve comparing the proposed prices to the Government’s Independent

Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) to ensure they are reasonable in relation to the market and the scope of supplies.

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.

Award Without Discussions:

In accordance with FAR 52.212-1, the Government may award a contract without conducting discussions and will base its decision on initial offers. After the initial evaluation, the

Government may engage in exchanges with offerors when appropriate for clarifications or other communications consistent with FAR Part 12 procedures.

This acquisition is conducted under commercial item procedures. A formal debriefing is not required and will not be provided. Any requests for information after award will be handled in accordance with FAR 13.106-3(d).

(End of addendum)

(x) Offerors are required to submit the completed provisions at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror

Representations and Certifications - Commercial Products and Commercial Services, FAR

52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance

Services or Equipment, and FAR 52.204-29 Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act

Orders - Representation and Disclosures, with its offer (see Attachment 3).

(xi) The clause at FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Products and

Commercial Services, applies to this acquisition and is incorporated by reference.

(xii) The clause at FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement

Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Products and Commercial Services, applies to this acquisition. All applicable clauses are included in Attachment 1, Schedule and Contract

Clauses.

(xiii) Additional Requirements or Terms and Conditions:

Additional Applicable FAR and DOSAR Provisions:

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

www.acquisition.gov.

52.204-7 System for Award Management (Nov 2024)

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

52.204-22 Alternative Line Item Proposal (Jan 2017)

52.252-5 Authorized Deviations in Provisions (Nov 2020)

The following provisions are provided in full text:

FAR 52.214-34 Submission of Offers in the English Language (Apr 1991)

Offers submitted in response to this solicitation shall be in the English language. Offers received in other than English shall be rejected.

http://www.acquisition.gov/

FAR 52.216-27 Single or Multiple Awards (Oct 1995)

The Government may elect to award a single delivery order contract or task order contract or to award multiple delivery order contracts or task order contracts for the same or similar supplies or services to two or more sources under this solicitation.

FAR 52.217-5 Evaluation of Options (Jul 1990)

The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. Evaluation of options will not obligate the

Government to exercise the option(s).

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

If the Government receives offers in more than one currency, the Government will evaluate offers by converting the foreign currency to United States currency using Department of State’s foreign currency exchange rate in effect as follows:

(a) For acquisitions conducted using sealed bidding procedures, on the date of bid opening.

(b) For acquisitions conducted using negotiation procedures-

(1) On the date specified for receipt of offers, if award is based on initial offers;

otherwise

(2) On the date specified for receipt of proposal revisions.

FAR 52.233-2 Service of Protest (Sep 2006)

(a) Protests, as defined in Section 33.101 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, that are filed directly with an agency, and copies of any protests that are filed with the General Accounting

Office (GAO), shall be served on the Contracting Officer (addressed as follows) by obtaining written and dated acknowledgment of receipt from the Contracting Officer at the following physical address below: (for mailing address, see block 7 of the SF 1442):

U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt

Regional Procurement Support Office (RPSO)

Giessener Str. 30

60435 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

(b) The copy of any protest shall be received in the office designated above within one day of filing a protest with the GAO.

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 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.

(xiii) Additional Requirements or Terms and Conditions:

Trafficking in Persons Compliance Plan and Annual Certification

In accordance with FAR 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Oct 2025), when services are performed outside the United States and the value of the contract is USD 700,000 or greater, the Contractor shall comply with the following requirements:

1. Submission of Compliance Plan: Within 15 calendar days after contract award, the

Contractor shall submit a Trafficking in Persons Compliance Plan to the Contracting

Officer. The plan shall meet the minimum requirements listed at FAR 52.222-50(h)(3).

2. Annual Certification: Each year after award, the Contractor shall submit the certification required by FAR 52.222-50(h)(5) to the Contracting Officer, confirming implementation of the compliance plan and compliance with the requirements of the clause.

These requirements apply to the prime contractor and all subcontractors that meet the applicability thresholds under FAR 52.222-50.

Applicable laws and regulations:

This solicitation and the ensuring award are subject to laws and regulations of the United States of America.

Award and Acceptance of Offer:

The written notice of award or acceptance of an offer mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the

Government may accept an offer, whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(xiv) Reserved.

(xv) Questions and Offer Due Date:

Submission of Questions: Any questions, comments, exceptions, or clarifications concerning any aspect of the solicitation shall be prepared in writing and submitted to Contract Specialist, Patticha Gruenbeck, at email GruenbeckP@state.gov, and copy to FrankfurtRPSO@state.gov, not later than 15:00 hours Central European Time (CET) on Friday, December 12, 2025.

The email subject line must read “Questions 19GE5026R0007.”

Late questions may not be considered.

Submission of Electronic Offers: Offers shall be submitted its offer as soon as possible but not later than 15:00 hours Central European Time (CET) on Friday, January 9, 2026, email to

Patticha Gruenbeck at GruenbeckP@state.gov, and copy to FrankfurtRPSO@state.gov. The email subject line must read “Offer 19GE5026R0007.”

Electronic offers/proposals shall be submitted in a format readable by Microsoft (MS) Word, MS

Excel, or Adobe PDF, as applicable. Individual email size shall not exceed 45 MB.

Late submissions shall not be considered.

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(b)(11). The penalty for making false statements is prescribed in 18 USC 1001.

(xvi) Solicitation Contact Information: For questions or requests for clarification regarding this solicitation, contact:

Patticha Gruenbeck

Contract Specialist

U.S. Department of State

Bureau of Global Acquisition

GA/AM/DMS/RPSO

Email: GruenbeckP@state.gov

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.

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mailto:FrankfurtRPSO@state.gov mailto:GruenbeckP@state.gov mailto:FrankfurtRPSO@state.gov