19TS8026Q0011_Solicitation.docx

Solicitation No. 19TS8026Q0011- U.S. higher education advising services

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 - THE SCHEDULE

· SF 1449 cover sheet

· Continuation To SF-1449, RFQ Number 19TS8026Q0011 Prices, Block 23

· Continuation To SF-1449, RFQ Number 19TS8026Q0011, 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

RFQ NUMBER S- 19TS8026Q0011

PRICES, BLOCK 23

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.

I. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

A. The purpose of this firm fixed price purchase order is to for US Higher Education advising services in accordance with Attachment A.

B. The contract will be for a one-year period from the date of the contract award.

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.

Services.

Performs all for US Higher Education advising services services set forth in the scope of work.

_23__ thru __26__

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.

II. PRICING

Total

III. VALUE ADDED TAX

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

CONTINUATION TO SF-1449,

RFQ NUMBER 19TS8026Q0011

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES, BLOCK 20

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

See Attachment A

SECTION 2 - CONTRACT CLAUSES

ADD THE FOLLOWING CLAUSE IN FULL TEXT:

52.229-12 TAX ON CERTAIN FOREIGN PROCUREMENTS—NOTICE AND REPRESENTATION (FEB 2021)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause— Foreign person means any person other than a United States person.

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

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

(2) A domestic partnership;

(3) A domestic corporation;

(4) Any estate (other than a foreign estate, within the meaning of 26 U.S.C. 7701(a)(31)); and

(5) Any trust if-

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

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

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

(c)

(1) If the Contractor is a foreign person and has only a partial or no exemption to the withholding, the Contractor shall include the Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Form W-14, Certificate of Foreign Contracting Party Receiving Federal Procurement Payments, with each voucher or invoice submitted under this contract throughout the period in which this status is applicable. The excise tax withholding is applied at the payment level, not at the contract level. The Contractor should revise each IRS Form W-14 submission to reflect the exemption (if any) that applies to that particular invoice, such as a different exemption applying. In the absence of a completed IRS Form W-14 accompanying a payment request, the default withholding percentage is 2 percent for the section 5000C withholding for that payment request. Information about IRS Form W-14 and its separate instructions is available via the internet at www.irs.gov/w14.

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

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

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

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

(e) Exemptions from the withholding under this clause are described at 26 CFR 1.5000C-1(d)(5) through (7). Any exemption claimed and self-certified on the IRS Form W-14 is subject to audit by the IRS. Any disputes regarding the imposition and collection of the 26 U.S.C. 5000C tax are adjudicated by the IRS as the 26 U.S.C. 5000C tax is a tax matter, not a contract issue.

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

(1) Included in the contract price; nor

(2) Reimbursed.

(g) A taxpayer may, for a fee, seek advice from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as to the proper tax treatment of a transaction. This is called a private letter ruling. Also, the IRS may publish a revenue ruling, which is an official interpretation by the IRS of the Internal Revenue Code, related statutes, tax treaties, and regulations. A revenue ruling is the conclusion of the IRS 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)

ADDENDUM TO CONTRACT CLAUSES

FAR AND DOSAR CLAUSES NOT PRESCRIBED IN PART 12

52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

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

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

THE FOLLOWING FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS (FAR) CLAUSES ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

CLAUSE TITLE AND DATE

52.203-17 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS (NOV 2023)

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

52.204-25 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

52.204-27 PROHIBITION ON A BYTEDANCE COVERED APPLICATION (JUN 2023)

52.222-19 CHILD LABOR-COOPERATION WITH AUTHORITIES AND REMEDIES (JAN 2025)

52.225-14 INCONSISTENCY BETWEEN ENGLISH VERSION AND TRANSLATION OF CONTRACT (FEB 2000)

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

52.232-39 UNENFORCEABILITY OF UNAUTHORIZED OBLIGATIONS (JUNE 2013)

52.232-40 PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTORS (MAR 2023)

52.244-6 SUBCONTRACTS FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (JAN 2025)

THE FOLLOWING FAR CLAUSES ARE PROVIDED IN FULL TEXT:

52.216-18 ORDERING (AUG 2020)

(a) Any supplies and services to be furnished under this contract shall be ordered by issuance of delivery orders or task orders by the individuals or activities designated in the Schedule. Such orders may be issued from the date of the Award through its completion.

(b) All delivery orders or tsk orders are subject to the terms and conditions of this contract. In the event of conflict between a delivery order or task order and this contract, the contract shall control.

(c) A delivery order or task order is considered “issued” when –

(1) If sent by mail (includes transmittal by U.S. mail or private delivery service), the Government deposits the order in the mail;

(2) If sent by fax, the Government transmits the order to the Contractor’s fax number; or

(3) If sent electronically, the Government either –

(i) Posts a copy of the delivery order or task order to a Government document access system, and notice is sent to the Contractor; or

(ii) Distributes the delivery order or task order via email to the Contractor’s email address.

(d) Orders may be issued by methods other than those enumerated in this clause only if authorized in the contract.

(End of clause)

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

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

THE FOLLOWING DOSAR CLAUSES ARE PROVIDED IN FULL TEXT:

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”);

1. 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)

652.215-70 EXAMINATION OF RECORDS

(a) With respect to matters related to this contract or a subcontract hereunder, the Department of State Office of the Inspector General, or an authorized representative, shall have upon request:

(1) Complete, prompt, and free access to all Contractor and Subcontractor files (in any format), documents, records, data, premises, and employees, except as limited by law; and

(2) The right to interview any current Contractor and Subcontractor personnel, individually and directly, with respect to such matters.

(b) This clause may not be construed to require the contractor or any subcontractor to create or maintain any record that the contractor or subcontractor does not maintain in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to a provision of law.

(c) The Contractor shall insert a clause containing all the terms of this clause, including this paragraph (c), in all subcontracts under this contract other than acquisitions described in Federal Acquisition Regulation 15.209(b)(1).

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.

(End of clause)

(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 two copies 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).

Financial Management Office US Embassy Tunis tunisvoucherexaminers@state.gov

(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:

652.242-70 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’s name for this contract will be determined at the contract award.

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) Evidence that the offeror/quoter operates an established business with a permanent address and telephone listing; in Tunisia 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 Tunisia then the offeror shall provide its international experience. Offerors are advised that the past performance information requested above may be discussed with the client’s contact person. In addition, the client’s contact person may be asked to comment on the offeror’s:

· Quality of services provided under the contract;

· Compliance with contract terms and conditions;

· Effectiveness of management;

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

· Business integrity / business conduct.

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

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

6. The offeror shall address its plan to obtain all licenses and permits required by local law (see DOSAR 652.242-73 in Section 2). If offeror already possesses the locally required licenses and permits, a copy shall be provided. [Note to Contracting Officer: If there are any other unique requirements for doing business or restrictions in terms of doing business in the host country, then you need to ensure these are highlighted. For example, if there is a local law which precludes foreign firms from providing services, you need to identify the law.]

7. The offeror’s strategic plan for US higher education services to include but not limited to:

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

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

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

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

ADDENDUM TO SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

FAR AND DOSAR PROVISIONS NOT PRESCRIBED IN PART 12

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)

52.211-1 AVAILABILITY OF SPECIFICATIONS LISTED IN THE GSA INDEX OF FEDERAL SPECIFICATIONS, STANDARDS AND COMMERCIAL ITEM DESCRIPTIONS, FPMR PART 101-29 (SEP 2023)

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)

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, Autumn Muller, at 71-107-449 and MullerAA@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)

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)

Except when it is determined in accordance with FAR 17.206(b) not to be in the Government’s best interests, 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).

SECTION 5 - REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

The Offeror shall not complete the representation at paragraph (d)(1) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument" in paragraph (c)(1) in the provision at 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation, or in paragraph (v)(2)(i) of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products or Commercial Services. The Offeror shall not complete the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services" in paragraph (c)(2) of the provision at 52.204-26, or in paragraph (v)(2)(ii) of the provision at 52.212-3.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

Backhaul, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, interconnection arrangements, reasonable inquiry, roaming, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

(b) Prohibition.

(1) Section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2019, from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(2) Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2020, from entering into a contract or extending or renewing a contract with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. This prohibition applies to the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, regardless of whether that use is in performance of work under a Federal contract. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(c) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) ( https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for "covered telecommunications equipment or services".

(d) Representation. The Offeror represents that—

(1) It □ will, □ will not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract or other contractual instrument resulting from this solicitation. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(1) of this section if the Offeror responds "will" in paragraph (d)(1) of this section; and

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry, for purposes of this representation, the Offeror represents that—

It □ does, □ does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(2) of this section if the Offeror responds "does" in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(e) Disclosures.

(1) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "will" in the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the Product Service Code (PSC) of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(2) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "does" in the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the PSC of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

52.204-26 COVERED TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES

REPRESENTATION (OCT 2020)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision, “covered telecommunications equipment or services” and “reasonable inquiry” have the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

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

(c) Representations. (1) The Offeror represents that it [ ] does, [ ] does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument.

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry for purposes of this representation, the Offeror represents that it [ ] does, [ ] does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services.

52.229-11 TAX ON CERTAIN FOREIGN PROCUREMENTS – NOTICE AND

REPRESENTATION (JUN 2020)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision— Foreign person means any person other than a United States person.

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

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

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

(2) A domestic partnership;

(3) A domestic corporation;

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

(5) Any trust if—

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

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

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

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

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

(1) It [__]is [__]is not a foreign person; and

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

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

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

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

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

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

ADDENDUM TO SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

FAR AND DOSAR PROVISIONS NOT PRESCRIBED IN PART 12

THE FOLLOWING FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION SOLICITATION PROVISIONS ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

52.225-25 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES ENGAGING IN CERTAIN ACTIVITIES OR TRANSACTIONS RELATING TO IRAN—REPRESENTATION AND CERTIFICATIONS (JUN 2020)

ATTACHMENT A

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

I Background and Purpose

The Public Affairs Section at U.S. Embassy Tunis seeks to engage the services of a qualified vendor (or up to two vendors) based in Tunis and Sousse or based in Tunis with the capacity to deploy countrywide to provide U.S. higher education advising services for a one-year period.

The selected entity (entities) will work closely with a dedicated Public Affairs Section specialist at the Embassy and the EducationUSA Regional Educational Advising Coordinator (REAC) to provide EducationUSA advising services to Tunisian students residing in Tunisia or abroad and non-Tunisian students residing in Tunisia seeking to study in the United States; coordinate outreach engagement for Tunisian students, Tunisian universities, schools, and other partner institutions; and facilitate webinars and other virtual and in-person activities, including college fairs, supporting recruitment efforts by U.S. universities, colleges, and other higher education institutions to promote study in the United States with the aim to increase the number of Tunisian students pursuing study and research in the United States.

The vendor(s) will report to a dedicated Public Affairs Section specialist with planning, management, and executive responsibilities for expanding U.S. higher education outreach and promoting study and research in the United States to audiences across Tunisia.

II. Program Goals and Objectives

Overall Goal: Expand access to U.S. higher education opportunities in Tunisia by increasing the number of qualified, well-prepared Tunisian students applying to accredited U.S. higher institutions, while advancing U.S. economic interests, showcasing American excellence in higher education, and positioning the United States as a leading study and research destination for Tunisian students and researchers.

Objectives:

· Advance U.S. economic interests by supporting U.S. higher education institutions' efforts to recruit and engage with academically talented students and researchers;

· Showcase of American excellence in higher education and innovation;

· Increase the visibility and reach of EducationUSA services across Tunisia;

· Expand the pool of qualified and geographically diverse Tunisian applicants through accurate, timely, and accessible advising;

· Strengthen engagement with secondary schools, universities, higher institutions and relevant stakeholders with a special emphasis on promoting U.S. graduate studies and research.

· Scope of Work

· Duties and Responsibilities:

The vendor(s) will implement a range of in-person and virtual activities on behalf of U.S. Embassy Tunis, including but not limited to:

· In-person and virtual advising services

· In-country outreach activities

· Presentations and workshops

· College and higher education fairs

· Alumni engagement activities

· In-person and virtual engagement initiatives

· Deliverables:

· Conduct one-on-one and group advising sessions to assist Tunisian with navigating U.S. admissions trends, scholarship opportunities and guide them to U.S. higher education options (at least 10 sessions per month/15 hours per month per 1 vendor based in Tunis and per 1 vendor based in Sousse, responsible for covering the entire country OR for a total of at least 20 sessions per month/30 hours per month managed by 1 vendor with the capacity to implement in both areas and around the country).

2. Deliver monthly presentations to promote study and research in the United States and EducationUSA services (at least 5 presentations per month including but not limited to conducting sessions at American Corners in Tunis and Sousse, and the American Studies Resource Center in Kairouan/6 hours per month per 1 vendor based in Tunis and per 1 vendor based in Sousse, responsible for covering the entire country OR for a total of at least 10 presentations per month/12 hours per month managed by 1 vendor with the capacity to implement in both areas and around the country).

3. Organize and execute outreach events in Tunis and the regions, to promote study and research in the United States, EducationUSA programs, and support U.S. policy objectives in Tunisia, targeting schools, universities, higher institutions and relevant stakeholders (at least 4 outreach events per month per vendor in Tunis and per vendor in Sousse/ 8 hours per month per vendor OR for a total of at least 8 outreach events per month/16 hours per month managed by 1 vendor with the capacity to implement in both areas and around the country.)

4. Maintain an active social media presence, updating existing Tunisia’s EducationUSA social media pages regularly with engaging content and visuals to support the program’s objectives and engage with prospective students (At least 4 social media posts per week). Vendor must coordinate with U.S. Embassy Tunis PAS Specialist and Digital Engagement Team to share and amplify Tunisia’s EducationUSA posts and activities via social media.

5. Submit weekly highlights and monthly progress reports to U.S. Embassy Tunis’ Public Affairs Section, including metrics on advising sessions, event participation, and outreach efforts.

6. Manage the EducationUSA Tunisia Competitive College Club (CCC) (4 hours per month per Club).

7. Organize and/or participate in college and higher education fairs in Tunis and the regions (at least 4 per year).

8. Organize alumni engagement activities that support U.S. mission priorities (at least 2 per year per vendor OR a total of at least 4 per year)

9. Document U.S. educational outreach activities, including EducationUSA activities through photography and video, ensuring high-quality visual content is produced for outreach and promotional purposes

10. Report student success stories to showcase the impact of advising efforts.

11. Propose innovative strategies to amplify awareness of studying in the U.S., both in-person and virtually across Tunisia.

12. Develop a network of contacts in education, government, and other spheres to deepen Mission engagement and partnerships with prospective students in Tunisia, while maintaining relationships with U.S. universities and other U.S. based educational organizations.

Skills and Experience

Vendor(s) shall have the following skills:

· Demonstrated educational experience of at least a bachelor’s degree in relevant fields of study (e.g. education, counseling, international relations, or communication).

· Experience in U.S. higher education academic advising (at least 9-10 months) or working as a U.S. higher educational adviser with students in an educational setting. (Preference will be given to vendors who have personally provided direct EducationUSA advising and outreach services in the past; who employee staff with direct EducationUSA advising and outreach experience; and/or who have personal experience applying for, studying at, and graduating from a U.S. higher education institution and at least one-year experience working in the field of U.S. higher education advising.)

· Ability to guide students through the U.S. college and university application process.

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills to provide one-on-one or group advising.

· Familiarity with the structure of the U.S. higher education system, admissions processes, standardized testing, and financial aid options.

· Experience delivering workshops, webinars, and presentations to various audiences.

· Ability to plan and execute events, maintain records, and manage multiple tasks effectively.

· Ability to build relationships with schools, universities, and other organizations to promote study in the United States, including through but not limited to EducationUSA programs.

· Experience developing outreach strategies, using social media, and creating promotional materials.

· Excellent verbal and written English skills.

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.

Services.

Performs all for US Higher Education advising services services set forth in the scope of work.

_23__ thru _26___

All required services are performed and no more than one (1) customer complaint is received per month.

1SBU - CONTRACTING AND ACQUISITIONS