Solicitation_MCC Communications Firm for Nepal Compact.pdf

SBU - CONTRACTING AND ACQUISITIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 - THE SCHEDULE

• SF 1449 cover sheet

• Continuation To SF-1449, RFQ Number 19NP4026Q0030, Prices, Block 23

• Continuation To SF-1449, RFQ Number 19NP4026Q0030, 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

19NP4026Q0030

PRICES, BLOCK 23

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

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

1. REQUISITION NUMBER

PR16080584

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE

DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

19NP4026Q0030

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE

DATE: Jul-6-2026

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL

a. NAME Sanju Gurung

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER(No collect calls)

014234165

8. OFFER DUE DATE/

LOCAL TIME

Aug-5-2026, 17:00Hrs

9. ISSUED BY CODE

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

American Embassy Kathmandu Bramha Cottage, Narayan Gopal Sadak, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu

UNRESTRICTED

SET ASIDE: % FOR

SMALL BUSINESS EMERGING SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL BUSINESS SMALL BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN OWNED 8(A)

NAICS: 238220

SIZE STD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB 12. DISCOUNT

TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

DESTINATION UNLESS BLOCK IS MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO: Code 16. Administered by:

American Embassy Kathmandu Attn: General Services Officer Maharajgunj, Kathmandu Email (ktmcontracts@state.gov)

General Services Officer American Embassy Kathmandu Bramha Cottage, Narayan Gopal Sadak, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu

17.a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR CODE FACILITY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

Financial Management Officer American Embassy Kathmandu Bramha Cottage, Narayan Gopal Sadak, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu

17b CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS

IN OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS

BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED SEE ADDENDUM

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT in US$

1. MCC Nepal Local Communications Project _ Communications Firm for Nepal Compact

SAM registration is mandatory for this solicitation. A valid SAM registration is condition for award. For SAM registration please visit http://www.sam.gov

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

1 ALL

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

27a.SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT

ATTACHED.

27b.CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED.

mailto:ktmcontracts@state.gov https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7CGurungS10%40state.gov%7C8a3dc67909cc40a228fd08da76966e6a%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C637952685714918519%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OeI2oVgRs70epidnj1s7kDD%2Bvf%2FzWXPwoIQWnRlA1dQ%3D&reserved=0

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

__2___ COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON

ANY ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS

SPECIFIED HEREIN..

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. _________________

OFFER DATED _______________. YOUR OFFER ON

SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS

OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH HEREIN, IS

ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

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

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT)

30c. DATE SIGNED

31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or Print) William J Miskelly

31c. DATE SIGNED

I. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

A. The purpose of this firm fixed price purchase order is to for [one year] in accordance with

SOW.

B. The contract will be for a one-year period from the date of the contract award, with [no] one-year options.

JAMES ZADROGA 9/11 VICTIMS HEALTH AND COMPENSATION ACT OF

2010 NOTICE: UNLESS A WAIVER OR EXCEPTION APPLIES, PAYMENTS

SUBSEQUENT TO THIS PROCUREMENT ARE SUBJECT TO AN EXCISE

TAX OF 2% PERSUANT TO 26 U.S.C. 5000C.

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 services set forth in the scope of work.

___ thru ____

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

Services Description Unit of

Measurement Rate per Unit in Local Currency

Quantity Total Amount

Inception report and messaging framework along with radio PSA scripts and audio files (with language adaptations)

All NPR 1

Short digital videos and localized variants along with influencer engagement plan and content coordination

All NPR 1

Digital advertising plan and analytics reporting and regional Showcase and Stakeholder Engagement Event

All NPR 1

VAT

Grand Total

III. VALUE ADDED TAX

VERSION A

VALUE ADDED TAX. Value Added Tax (VAT) is not included in the CLIN rates. Instead, it will be priced 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; this percentage is multiplied only against that portion. It is reflected for each performance period. The portions of the solicitation subject to VAT are:

CONTINUATION TO SF-1449,

RFQ NUMBER 19NP4026Q0030

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES, BLOCK 20

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

Scope of Work (SOW)

MCC Nepal Local Communications Project

Primary Purpose: Produce reusable communications assets that MCC can provide to MCA Nepal to support the local awareness during the implementation of the MCC Nepal Compact.

1. Background and Rationale MCA Nepal is initiating project implementation across a long and geographically diverse transmission corridor. Communities near project sites may have varying levels of access to accurate information about project activities, creating a need for proactive outreach and stakeholder engagement to support public understanding as land acquisition and project implementation proceed.

The communications objective is to ensure that communities understand upcoming construction activities, any temporary disruptions that may occur, and the project's long-term contribution to strengthening Nepal's energy infrastructure and supporting economic growth. This scope focuses on practical, modular communications products that can be deployed district-by-district as construction advances and later adapted to highlight project outcomes, success stories, and broader impacts following completion.

The communications activities will cover the project districts of Kathmandu, Sindhupalchowk, Nuwakot, Dhading, Makwanpur, Chitwan, Tanahun, Palpa, Dang, Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East), and Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West), ensuring that timely, accurate, and locally relevant information reaches communities across the project area.

2. Communications Objectives

1. Increase community awareness during construction:

Ensure residents understand what work is happening and what temporary disruptions may occur.

2. Strengthen local understanding:

Use trusted local media voices and community communicators to share accurate, timely, and locally relevant information about project activities.

3. Support access:

Establish baseline awareness of project activities so communities have access to reliable information throughout implementation.

4. Highlight local partnership:

Emphasize collaboration with Government of Nepal institutions and local officials.

5. Document and promote outcomes after completion:

Showcase visible results once infrastructure becomes operational and demonstrate the project’s economic and energy benefits.

3. Priority Audiences Primary audiences include:

• Residents in communities located near construction activities along the transmission corridor and road projects

• Local government officials and administrative authorities

• Local opinion leaders (radio personalities, educators, business owners, community leaders)

• Regional digital audiences, particularly younger users on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

4. Core Message Themes (to be finalized during inception phase) Messages will focus on clear and practical information rather than advocacy.

Key themes include:

• What construction activities are taking place and why

• What communities can expect during construction

• How the project strengthens Nepal’s energy and road infrastructure and economic development

• The role of the Government of Nepal and local partners in implementation

• Where to obtain accurate project information

5. Work Plan and Tasks Task A: Inception and Message Development Activities:

• Conduct kickoff meeting with MCC and MCA Nepal communications leadership

• Map key audiences, local language requirements, and media channels

• Identify priority radio markets and influencer networks along the corridor

• Develop message framework for construction-phase and completion-phase communications

• Produce creative brief and production schedule Deliverables:

• Inception report outlining audience segmentation and channel strategy

• Draft scripts and storyboards for radio and video products Task B: Local Radio Communications Package Produce modular radio public service announcements (PSAs) designed for rapid localization and repeated use in different districts.

Production package:

• 6 radio PSAs (30–60 seconds each) in Nepali

• Local language adaptations for two additional languages in key project regions

• Modular structure allowing insertion of localized references (district name, local voice, official message) Content themes may include:

• Construction awareness

• What to expect during project work

• Community cooperation and safety awareness

• Project purpose and national benefit Deployment guidance:

• Stations selected based on listenership in project districts

• Recommended air schedule for repeated airing in advance of construction activity Deliverables:

• Audio master files

• Station-ready broadcast versions

• Transcripts and scripts

• Recommended media placement plan Task C: Short Video Production Produce short digital videos suitable for social media distribution and influencer amplification.

Videos will emphasize visual clarity and simple storytelling for audiences with varying literacy levels.

Production package:

• Short videos (60–90 seconds: 4 videos, 2-3 minutes: 2 videos) Indicative themes:

1. What the MCC energy project looks like on the ground

2. What communities can expect during construction

3. How the transmission system strengthens Nepal’s energy infrastructure

4. Community engagement during project implementation.

5. Livelihood or community program examples where appropriate

6. Project milestone or infrastructure completion visual Localization:

• Videos adapted for regional versions through voiceover and location references.

Formats delivered:

• Vertical video (9:16) for social media

• Standard landscape format (16:9) Deliverables:

• Captioned final videos

• Thumbnail images

• Suggested posting text and usage guidelines Task D: Community Outreach and Digital Content Engagement Support the broader dissemination of project information by engaging a broad network of regional digital communicators and community voices to share relevant project updates with their existing audiences.

Influencer outreach:

• Prioritize collaboration with credible regional content creators, community communicators, radio personalities, journalists, and local digital voices.

• Encourage locally relevant and authentic discussions about project activities and outcomes.

• Foster audience engagement through informative and context-driven content rather than standardized messaging.

Engagement types:

• Conduct appropriate due diligence on participating communicators.

• Provide factual background materials and key project information to ensure accuracy.

• Coordinate communications activities to maintain consistency with project objectives while respecting editorial independence.

Deliverables:

• Community outreach and digital engagement plan.

• Coordination with regional communicators and content creators.

• Monitoring and reporting on campaign performance, including reach, views, and engagement metrics.

Task E: Digital Amplification Allocate budget to boost campaign content on social media platforms, extending reach in project districts.

Activities:

• Geographic targeting in affected provinces and districts

• Promotion of video and influencer content

• Boosting through Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube Deliverables:

• Media plan

• Campaign analytics summary Task F: Regional Showcase and Stakeholder Engagement Event Organize one regional public engagement event in major project areas to present the full range of project products and communications materials, showcase project progress, and highlight local stories. The event will bring together government representatives, community leaders, beneficiaries, media, civil society, and private sector partners to view project updates firsthand, engage with project teams and beneficiaries, and foster broader understanding and dissemination of project outcomes.

Event approach:

• Host one event with broad stakeholder participation.

• Showcase project products through multimedia presentations, exhibits, beneficiary stories, and panel discussions.

• Encourage knowledge sharing and networking among local communities, implementing partners, and policymakers.

• Provide opportunities for local and national media coverage to increase public awareness of project achievements.

Engagement activities:

• Presentation of project milestones and success stories.

• Interactive discussions with beneficiaries and technical experts.

• Exhibition featuring project outputs and digital content.

• Media engagement and distribution of information materials.

6. Timeline:

• Weeks 1–2: Project kickoff, work plan, consultations.

• Weeks 3–6: Field visits, content planning, and initial production.

• Weeks 7–12: Develop and publish district-specific communications materials.

• Months 4–6: Community outreach, media engagement, and ongoing content production.

• Months 7–9: Document project progress, success stories, and digital content.

• Months 10–11: Regional engagement events and message amplification.

• Month 12: Final communications products, reporting, and handover of reusable assets.

7. Deliverables Summary The contractor will be paid based on the below deliverables, please quote based on the deliverables.

• Inception report and messaging framework along with radio PSA scripts and audio files (with language adaptations)

• Short digital videos and localized variants along with influencer engagement plan and content coordination

• Digital advertising plan and analytics reporting and regional Showcase and Stakeholder Engagement Event

8. Company Qualification Requirements

• Minimum 7 years of experience in strategic communications, media production, or public outreach campaigns. Please provide examples of past campaigns conducted in some of the mentioned regions.

• Demonstrated experience implementing large-scale communications projects for government agencies, development partners, or international organizations.

• Proven capacity to produce multimedia content (audio, video, photography, graphics, digital and print materials) and manage community outreach activities.

• Ability to deploy a qualified team and conduct fieldwork across project districts. Please provide past work experience of similar projects conducted regionally

• Strong project management capacity with a track record of delivering high-quality outputs on time

SECTION 2 - CONTRACT CLAUSES

52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS – COMMERCIAL ITEMS

(NOV 2023) IS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE. (SEE SF-1449,

BLOCK 27A)

https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-

52#FAR_52_212_4

FAR 52.212-5 [Reserved]

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 https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52#FAR_52_212_4 https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52#FAR_52_212_4 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

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 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 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 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.

(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)

52.204-9 PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

(JAN 2011)

52.204-13 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE (OCT 2018)

52.204-18 [Reserved]

52.209-6 PROTECTING THE GOVERNMENT'S INTEREST WHEN

SUBCONTRACTING WITH CONTRACTORS DEBARRED, SUSPENDED,

PROPOSED FOR DEBARMENT, OR VOLUNTARILY EXCLUDED

(DEVIATION) (JAN 2026)

52.222-19 CHILD LABOR-COOPERATION WITH AUTHORITIES AND REMEDIES

(DEVIATION) (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)

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

52.244-6 SUBCONTRACTS FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL

SERVICES (JAN 2025)

THE FOLLOWING DOSAR CLAUSES ARE PROVIDED IN FULL TEXT:

CONTRACTOR IDENTIFICATION (JULY 2008)

Contract performance may require contractor personnel to attend meetings with government personnel and the public, work within government offices, and/or utilize government email.

Contractor personnel must take the following actions to identify themselves as non-federal employees:

1) Use an email signature block that shows name, the office being supported and company affiliation (e.g. “John Smith, Office of Human Resources, ACME Corporation Support Contractor”);

2) Clearly identify themselves and their contractor affiliation in meetings;

3) Identify their contractor affiliation in Departmental e-mail and phone listings whenever contractor personnel are included in those listings; and

4) Contractor personnel may not utilize Department of State logos or indicia on business cards.

(End of clause)

652.225-71 SECTION 8(A) OF THE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION ACT OF 1979, AS

AMENDED (AUG 1999)

(a) Section 8(a) of the U.S. Export Administration Act of 1979, as amended (50 U.S.C.

2407(a)), prohibits compliance by U.S. persons with any boycott fostered by a foreign country against a country which is friendly to the United States and which is not itself the object of any form of boycott pursuant to United States law or regulation. The Boycott of Israel by Arab League countries is such a boycott, and therefore, the following actions, if taken with intent to comply with, further, or support the Arab League Boycott of Israel, are prohibited activities under the Export Administration Act:

(1) Refusing, or requiring any U.S. person to refuse to do business with or in Israel, with any Israeli business concern, or with any national or resident of Israel, or with any other person, pursuant to an agreement of, or a request from or on behalf of a boycotting country;

(2) Refusing, or requiring any U.S. person to refuse to employ or otherwise discriminating against any person on the basis of race, religion, sex, or national origin of that person or of any owner, officer, director, or employee of such person;

(3) Furnishing information with respect to the race, religion, or national origin of any U.S. person or of any owner, officer, director, or employee of such U.S. person;

(4) Furnishing information about whether any person has, has had, or proposes to have any business relationship (including a relationship by way of sale, purchase, legal or commercial representation, shipping or other transport, insurance, investment, or supply) with or in the State of Israel, with any business concern organized under the laws of the State of Israel, with any Israeli national or resident, or with any person which is known or believed to be restricted from having any business relationship with or in Israel;

(5) Furnishing information about whether any person is a member of, has made contributions to, or is otherwise associated with or involved in the activities of any charitable or fraternal organization which supports the State of Israel; and,

(6) Paying, honoring, confirming, or otherwise implementing a letter of credit which contains any condition or requirement against doing business with the State of Israel.

(b) Under Section 8(a), the following types of activities are not forbidden ``compliance with the boycott,'' and are therefore exempted from Section 8(a)'s prohibitions listed in paragraphs (a)(1)-(6) above:

(1) Complying or agreeing to comply with requirements:

(i) Prohibiting the import of goods or services from Israel or goods produced or services provided by any business concern organized under the laws of Israel or by nationals or residents of Israel; or,

(ii) Prohibiting the shipment of goods to Israel on a carrier of Israel, or by a route other than that prescribed by the boycotting country or the recipient of the shipment;

(2) Complying or agreeing to comply with import and shipping document requirements with respect to the country of origin, the name of the carrier and route of shipment, the name of the supplier of the shipment or the name of the provider of other services, except that no information knowingly furnished or conveyed in response to such requirements may be stated in negative, blacklisting, or similar exclusionary terms, other than with respect to carriers or route of shipments as may be permitted by such regulations in order to comply with precautionary requirements protecting against war risks and confiscation;

(3) Complying or agreeing to comply in the normal course of business with the unilateral and specific selection by a boycotting country, or national or resident thereof, of carriers, insurance, suppliers of services to be performed within the boycotting country or specific goods which, in the normal course of business, are identifiable by source when imported into the boycotting country;

(4) Complying or agreeing to comply with the export requirements of the boycotting country relating to shipments or transshipments of exports to Israel, to any business concern of or organized under the laws of Israel, or to any national or resident of Israel;

(5) Compliance by an individual or agreement by an individual to comply with the immigration or passport requirements of any country with respect to such individual or any member of such individual's family or with requests for information regarding requirements of employment of such individual within the boycotting country; and,

(6) Compliance by a U.S. person resident in a foreign country or agreement by such person to comply with the laws of that country with respect to his or her activities exclusively therein, and such regulations may contain exceptions for such resident complying with the laws or regulations of that foreign country governing imports into such country of trademarked, trade named, or similarly specifically identifiable products, or components of products for his or her own use, including the performance of contractual services within that country, as may be defined by such regulations.

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 fixed-price stated in this contract.

(b) Invoice Submission. The Contractor shall submit invoices in an original and copies to the office identified in Block 18b of the SF-1449. To constitute a proper invoice, the invoice shall include all the items required by FAR 32.905(e).

The Contractor shall show Value Added Tax (VAT) as a separate item on invoices submitted for payment.

Finance Management Office US Embassy, Maharajgunj

Kathmandu, Nepal

(c) 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:

652.237-72 OBSERVANCE OF LEGAL HOLIDAYS AND ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE

(FEB 2015)

(a) The Department of State observes the following days as holidays:

(A) January 01, 2026 Thursday New Year’s Day

(A) January 19, 2026 Monday Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr./

Sonam Lohsar

(A) February 16, 2026 Monday Washington’s Birthday

(N) March 02, 2026 Monday Holi Purnima

(N) April 14, 2026 Tuesday Nepali New Year

(N) May 01, 2026 Friday Buddha Jayanti/International Labor Day

(A) May 25, 2026 Monday Memorial Day

(A) June 19, 2026 Friday Juneteenth National Independence Day

(A) July 03, 2026 Friday Independence Day

(N) September 04, 2026 Friday Shree Krishna Janmastami

(A) September 07, 2026 Monday Labor Day

(A) October 12, 2026 Monday Columbus Day

(N) October 19, 2026 Monday Astami (Dashain)

(N) October 20, 2026 Tuesday Nawami (Dashain)

(N) October 21, 2026 Wednesday Dashami (Dashain)

(N) October 22, 2026 Thursday Ekadashi (Dashain)

(N) November 09, 2026 Monday Gai Puja (Tihar)

(N) November 10, 2026 Tuesday Gobardhan Puja(Tihar)

(A) November 11, 2026 Wednesday Veterans Day/Bhai Tika (Tihar)

(A) November 26, 2026 Thursday Thanksgiving Day

(A) December 25, 2026 Friday Christmas Day

Note: (A) = American Holiday

(N) = Nepali Holiday

Any other day designated by Federal law, Executive Order, or Presidential Proclamation.

(b) When New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day or Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed; if it falls on Saturday the preceding Friday is observed. Observance of such days by Government personnel shall not be cause for additional period of performance or entitlement to compensation except as set forth in the contract. If the contractor’s personnel work on a holiday, no form of holiday or other premium compensation will be reimbursed either as a direct or indirect cost, unless authorized pursuant to an overtime clause elsewhere in this contract.

(c) When the Department of State grants administrative leave to its Government employees, assigned contractor personnel in Government facilities shall also be dismissed. However, the contractor agrees to continue to provide sufficient personnel to perform round-the-clock requirements of critical tasks already in operation or scheduled, and shall be guided by the instructions issued by the contracting officer or his/her duly authorized representative.

(d) For fixed-price contracts, if services are not required or provided because the building is closed due to inclement weather, unanticipated holidays declared by the President, failure of Congress to appropriate funds, or similar reasons, deductions will be computed as follows:

(1) The deduction rate in dollars per day will be equal to the per month contract price divided by 21 days per month.

(2) The deduction rate in dollars per day will be multiplied by the number of days services are not required or provided.

If services are provided for portions of days, appropriate adjustment will be made by the contracting officer to ensure that the contractor is compensated for services provided.

(e) If administrative leave is granted to contractor personnel as a result of conditions stipulated in any “Excusable Delays” clause of this contract, it will be without loss to the contractor. The cost of salaries and wages to the contractor for the period of any such excused absence shall be a reimbursable item of direct cost hereunder for employees whose regular time is normally charged, and a reimbursable item of indirect cost for employees whose time is normally charged indirectly in accordance with the contractors accounting policy.

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 MCC Program Assistant.

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 (SEP 2023) 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.

The Offeror shall include Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance premium costs covering employees. The offeror may obtain DBA insurance directly from any Department of Labor approved providers at the DOL website at http://www.dol.gov/owcp/dlhwc/lscarrier.htm ]

(1) Name of 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 Nepal 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 3 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 Nepal 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 http://www.dol.gov/owcp/dlhwc/lscarrier.htm 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 MCC Nepal Local Communications Project Communications Firm for Nepal Compact 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.

(3) Client list

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 (NOV 2024)

52.204-16 [Reserved]

52.211-1 [Reserved]

52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS -- COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (SEP 2023)

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

52.237-1 SITE VISIT (APR 1984)

Queries Submission:

• Direct all questions or queries to the Secondary Contact at gurungs10@state for this solicitation with a copy to ktmcontracts@state.gov by July/16/2026

• Primary and secondary contact details can be found on the Solicitation Notice Page at SAM.gov.

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:ktmcontracts@state.gov

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 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, at ombuds@state.gov.. 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) mailto:AQMCompetitionAdvocate@state.gov mailto:cat@state.gov mailto:ombuds@state.gov

SECTION 4 - EVALUATION FACTORS

• Award will be made to the lowest priced, acceptable, responsible offeror. The quoter shall submit a completed solicitation, including Sections 1 and 5.

• The Government reserves the right to reject proposals that are unreasonably low or high in price.

• The lowest price will be determined by multiplying the offered prices times the estimated quantities in “Prices - Continuation of SF-1449, block 23”, and arriving at a grand total, including all options.

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

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

• Adequate financial resources or the ability to obtain them;

• Ability to comply with the required performance period, taking into consideration all existing commercial and governmental business commitments;

• Satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics;

• Necessary organization, experience, and skills or the ability to obtain them;

• Necessary equipment and facilities or the ability to obtain them; and

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

ADDENDUM TO EVALUATION FACTORS

FAR AND DOSAR PROVISION(S) NOT PRESCRIBED IN PART 12

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

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).

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 the exchange rate used by the Embassy 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.

SECTION 5 - REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

52.240-90 SECURITY PROHIBITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS REPRESENTATIONS AND

CERTIFICATIONS (DEVIATION) (JAN 2026)

(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,…