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28321318R00000055 Body of Solicitation

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS 9

SECTION D – LIST OF CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND/OR ATTACHMENTS 78

Attachments

SECTION A - Standard Form 1449 (SF 1449)

SECTION B - SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES AND PRICES

B-1 Addendum to Standard Form 1449 In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 12.302 and 12.303, this addendum to the Standard Form 1449 provides for continuation of the schedule and description of the supplies/services to be acquired.

B-2 Type of Contract The Government contemplates award of a “mixed” type of award. The Government is contemplating making multiple awards, but each is anticipated to be awarded along the same structure, as outlined below.

It will include the following

· Initial Firm Fixed Price CLIN

· Optional Firm Fixed Price CLINs, which will

· be fully defined at the time of award,

· may include both deliverables and services, and

· if exercised, shall be awarded pursuant to the terms of C2-5 FAR 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000) as well as the applicable terms in this contract.

· IDIQ CLINs for services. If and when services are needed beyond those included in the Optional CLINS to extend the term of the contract, such services will be

· Defined by means of an SOW, issued for each Task Order

· Using the applicable hourly rates, which will be tied to the relevant IDIQ CLIN.

· Be structured as Firm Fixed Price, Time and Materials or Labor Hour awards, as appropriate to the circumstances

· Be ordered by means of a Task Order, placed against the relevant IDIQ CLIN, by means of the procedures outlined in the award.

B-4 Task Ordering Procedures

(a) General

1) The majority of CLINs for this contract are FIRM FIXED PRICE OPTIONAL CLINs.

However, during the ordering period of performance of this contract, the Government may issue written task orders against any established IDIQ CLINs in accordance with the procedures set forth herein, in order to fulfill support service requirements associated with the Statement of Work (SOW).

There is an indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) “SERVICES” CLIN for each option year of the contract. These are to be used as needed to issue Task Orders using the following pricing arrangements under FAR Part 16:

firm-fixed-price (FFP), time-and-materials (T&M), and labor-hour (LH).

The preference is always for Firm-Fixed price orders, but the government may consider other pricing arrangements on an as-needed basis.

(1) Task order shall use a labor mix based on the labor categories identified in SECTION D ATTACHMENT 3 LABOR CATEGORIES and must not exceed the fixed hourly rates identified in SECTION D ATTACHMENT 2 PRICING TABLES 1 AND 2. The Contractors may elect to propose lower hourly rates when responding to a request for task order proposal (RFTOP).

(2) The Contractor will not be reimbursed for any expenses incurred that do not comply with these task ordering procedures or expenses that exceed the task order ceiling without the express written consent of the Contracting Officer.

(3) No individual task order may authorize the Contractor to incur expenses that are not in accordance with the limitations set forth elsewhere in the contract.

(4) The Government is obligated only to the extent of authorized purchases (Task Orders) actually made under the Contract. The Government will identify the period of performance in each task order.

(5) ODCs are not anticipated and will not be reimbursed.

(6) The Government shall issue task orders electronically only.

(b) Ordering

(1) The Contracting Officer will issue a request for task order proposal (RFTOP) to the contractor. In response, the contractor shall provide a task order proposal (TOP) that contains the Contractor’s proposed price to perform the statement of work. Any additional information that may be required by the Government will be indicated in the RFTOP.

(2) All SSA Contracting Officers may place orders against this contract up to their individual delegated purchase authority.

(3) Funds will be obligated at the time the CO places a task order but see Agency Specific clauses under Sections C3-11 2352.232-4 Contract Funding During a Continuing Resolution (JUL 2011), and C3-12 2352.232-5 Option Period Funding During a Continuing Resolution (JUL 2011).

(4) Frequency of ordering: SSA COs will order services on an as needed basis and as funds are available.

(c) Task Order Proposal (TOP)

(1) The Contractor’s proposal shall contain the Contractor’s proposed price to perform the work detailed in the RFTOP’s statement of work. Below is a list of areas that the TOP shall address:

The TOP shall include

a. Detailed pricing table, with the labor hours by skill category needed for completion of the task. The contractor shall propose task order prices only from those labor categories/prices contained in SECTION D ATTACHMENT 2 PRICING TABLES 1 AND 2, AND SECTION D ATTACHMENT 3 LABOR CATEGORIES. The Government will award each task order and the prices will be based on rates that do not exceed the contract fixed hourly rates for each labor category identified in the contract. The Government will use the fixed labor rates current at the time of issuance of the task order and not necessarily those in effect when the work is performed.

b. Travel and Other Direct Cost Requirements: No Travel or Other Direct Costs are allowed under this contract.

c. Organizational Conflict of Interest: Address whether the Contractor believes an Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) might exist. In the case of a potential OCI, the Contractor must identify the potential OCI, and how it will mitigate or avoid the OCI during performance of the task order. Refer to Sections C3-17 Organizational Conflicts of Interest – Restrictions applicable to Future Acquisitions, and C3-18 Identification and Mitigation of Potential Organizational Conflicts of Interest Arising Under Task Orders for more information.

Note: The guidelines and procedures of FAR 9.5, and where applicable, supplemented by Sections C3-17 and C3-18, will be used in identifying and resolving any issues of organizational conflicts of interest at the contract and task order level.

d. Assumptions: The task order proposal may include any assumptions on the contractor's part used in developing the task order proposal and costs.

(2) Firm-Fixed-Price Task Orders: For RFTOPs requesting FFP arrangement, the Contractor must multiply the quantity of hours required under each labor category by the rate listed in the pricing schedule (see SECTION D ATTACHMENT 2 PRICING TABLES 1 AND 2) or as negotiated (such as when the Contractor elects to propose lower rates) for the task, and the cumulative extended total of all services ordered will define the FFP for the task.

The CO will determine fair and reasonable pricing for all fixed-price task orders in accordance with FAR 15.4, Contract Pricing.

(3) Time and Materials (T&M) and Labor-hour (LH) Task Orders: For RFTOPs requesting T&M and LH pricing arrangement, the Contractor must multiply the quantity of hours required under each labor category by the rate listed in their price schedule (SECTION D ATTACHMENT 2 PRICING TABLES 1 AND 2, SECTION D ATTCAHMENT 3 LABOR CATEGORIES) or as negotiated (such as when the Contractor elects to propose lower rates) for the task order.

The cumulative extended total of all labor categories for services ordered will define the not-to-exceed ceiling price for the LH task order (see FAR 12.207(b) and (c) respectively) that the Contractor exceeds at its own risk.

The Government will reimburse the Contractor as provided under Section C2-3 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Items (DEVIATION 2017-02) (Aug 2017) – Alternate I (Jan 2017).

The CO will determine fair and reasonable pricing for all T&M and LH task orders in accordance with FAR 15.4, Contract Pricing.

(d) Task Order Proposal Response Time Unless otherwise specified the Contractor shall respond to the Government’s RFTOP within 7 calendar days after receipt of the request. The Contractor may request additional response time; the Government may or may not grant an extension.

(e) Task Order Evaluation At the task order level, the Government will evaluate the proposed prices, the labor mix, and the level of effort to determine if the task order proposal is reasonable for the required work and reflects a clear understanding of the requirements.

(f) Task Order Modifications

(1) Changes within the scope of the task order shall require a modification. Modifications may include, but are not limited to, the statement of work, the duration of a task order, and/or funding.

(2) The COTR and contractor shall discuss the changes. The CO will then request that the contractor provide a revised price proposal based on the recommended changes. The COTR will then review the modification proposal and send a recommendation to the CO. Once approved by the CO, the CO will issue a task order modification to the contractor. The contractor may not begin performance on the modification until the CO provides approval.

B-5 Labor Pricing Matrixes

The Contractor must provide all labor and services necessary to fulfill requirements described in the SOW of this contract (and where supplemented by the individual SOWs incorporated at the task order level) at the pricing agreed upon at Contract award, or otherwise negotiated based on the provisions herein.

[See Section D Attachment 2, Pricing Tables 1 and 2]

Note: All labor rates in the contract are provided on a “fully loaded” per productive hour pricing basis. All fully loaded rates include all labor burdens, including:

base labor rate and fringe benefits;

Contractor facilities costs, including “other facilities costs” such as utilities, office supplies, equipment other than workstations, etc.;

routine/non-customer directed and/or non-Government approved training/seminars; overhead;

G&A;

and profit.

In addition, for T&M and LH task orders, actual hours worked will be verified by the Government before each invoice is approved.

B-6 Labor Categories

[See Section D Attachment 3, Labor Categories]

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Note: This contract includes one or more clauses (FAR and Agency Specific) that apply at the contract level, and flow down to individual task orders. In addition, there may be a need to incorporate additional FAR and Agency Specific clauses at the task order level given the nature of the requirement(s). In these cases, the task order will specify the additional FAR and Agency Specific clause(s).

SECTION C1 - FAR Clauses Incorporated by Reference (IBR)

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. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

https://www.acquisition.gov/?q=browsefar

(End of clause)

SECTION C2 - Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Full Text Clauses The following clause at Section C2-1 applies to any time-and-material or labor-hour task orders issued under this contract.

C2-1 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Items (DEVIATION 2017-02) (Aug 2017) – Alternate I (Jan 2017))

(a) Inspection/Acceptance. (1) The Government has the right to inspect and test all materials furnished and services performed under this contract, to the extent practicable at all places and times, including the period of performance, and in any event before acceptance. The Government may also inspect the plant or plants of the Contractor or any subcontractor engaged in contract performance. The Government will perform inspections and tests in a manner that will not unduly delay the work.

(2) If the Government performs inspection or tests on the premises of the Contractor or a subcontractor, the Contractor shall furnish and shall require subcontractors to furnish all reasonable facilities and assistance for the safe and convenient performance of these duties.

(3) Unless otherwise specified in the contract, the Government will accept or reject services and materials at the place of delivery as promptly as practicable after delivery, and they will be presumed accepted 60 days after the date of delivery, unless accepted earlier.

(4) At any time during contract performance, but not later than 6 months (or such other time as may be specified in the contract) after acceptance of the services or materials last delivered under this contract, the Government may require the Contractor to replace or correct services or materials that at time of delivery failed to meet contract requirements. Except as otherwise specified in paragraph (a)(6) of this clause, the cost of replacement or correction shall be determined under paragraph (i) of this clause, but the “hourly rate” for labor hours incurred in the replacement or correction shall be reduced to exclude that portion of the rate attributable to profit. Unless otherwise specified below, the portion of the “hourly rate” attributable to profit shall be 10 percent. The Contractor shall not tender for acceptance materials and services required to be replaced or corrected without disclosing the former requirement for replacement or correction, and, when required, shall disclose the corrective action taken. The portion of the labor rate attributable to profit is [Insert portion of labor rate attributable to profit.] (5)(i) If the Contractor fails to proceed with reasonable promptness to perform required replacement or correction, and if the replacement or correction can be performed within the ceiling price (or the ceiling price as increased by the Government), the Government may—

(A) By contract or otherwise, perform the replacement or correction, charge to the Contractor any increased cost, or deduct such increased cost from any amounts paid or due under this contract; or

(B) Terminate this contract for cause.

(ii) Failure to agree to the amount of increased cost to be charged to the Contractor shall be a dispute under the Disputes clause of the contract.

(6) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a)(4) and (5) above, the Government may at any time require the Contractor to remedy by correction or replacement, without cost to the Government, any failure by the Contractor to comply with the requirements of this contract, if the failure is due to—

(i) Fraud, lack of good faith, or willful misconduct on the part of the Contractor's managerial personnel; or

(ii) The conduct of one or more of the Contractor’s employees selected or retained by the Contractor after any of the Contractor’s managerial personnel has reasonable grounds to believe that the employee is habitually careless or unqualified.

(7) This clause applies in the same manner and to the same extent to corrected or replacement materials or services as to materials and services originally delivered under this contract.

(8) The Contractor has no obligation or liability under this contract to correct or replace materials and services that at time of delivery do not meet contract requirements, except as provided in this clause or as may be otherwise specified in the contract.

(9) Unless otherwise specified in the contract, the Contractor's obligation to correct or replace Government-furnished property shall be governed by the clause pertaining to Government property.

(b) Assignment. The Contractor or its assignee may assign its rights to receive payment due as a result of performance of this contract to a bank, trust company, or other financing institution, including any Federal lending agency in accordance with the Assignment of Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3727). However, when a third party makes payment (e.g., use of the Governmentwide commercial purchase card), the Contractor may not assign its rights to receive payment under this contract.

(c) Changes. Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties.

(d) Disputes. This contract is subject to 41 U.S.C. chapter 71, Contract Disputes. Failure of the parties to this contract to reach agreement on any request for equitable adjustment, claim, appeal or action arising under or relating to this contract shall be a dispute to be resolved in accordance with the clause at FAR 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

(e) Definitions. (1) The clause at FAR 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated herein by reference. As used in this clause—

(i) Direct materials means those materials that enter directly into the end product, or that are used or consumed directly in connection with the furnishing of the end product or service.

(ii) Hourly rate means the rate(s) prescribed in the contract for payment for labor that meets the labor category qualifications of a labor category specified in the contract that are—

(A) Performed by the contractor;

(B) Performed by the subcontractors; or

(C) Transferred between divisions, subsidiaries, or affiliates of the contractor under a common control.

(iii) Materials means—

(A) Direct materials, including supplies transferred between divisions, subsidiaries, or affiliates of the contractor under a common control;

(B) Subcontracts for supplies and incidental services for which there is not a labor category specified in the contract;

(C) Other direct costs (e.g., incidental services for which there is not a labor category specified in the contract, travel, computer usage charges, etc.);

(D) The following subcontracts for services which are specifically excluded from the hourly rate: NONE; and

(E) Indirect costs specifically provided for in this clause.

(iv) Subcontract means any contract, as defined in FAR subpart 2.1, entered into with a subcontractor to furnish supplies or services for performance of the prime contractor a subcontract including transfers between divisions, subsidiaries, or affiliates of a contractor or subcontractor. It includes, but is not limited to, purchase orders, and changes and modifications to purchase orders.

(i) Payments. (1) Work performed. The Government will pay the Contractor as follows upon the submission of commercial invoices approved by the Contracting Officer:

(i) Hourly rate.

(A) The amounts shall be computed by multiplying the appropriate hourly rates prescribed in the contract by the number of direct labor hours performed. Fractional parts of an hour shall be payable on a prorated basis.

(B) The rates shall be paid for all labor performed on the contract that meets the labor qualifications specified in the contract. Labor hours incurred to perform tasks for which labor qualifications were specified in the contract will not be paid to the extent the work is performed by individuals that do not meet the qualifications specified in the contract, unless specifically authorized by the Contracting Officer.

(C) Invoices may be submitted once each month (or at more frequent intervals, if approved by the Contracting Officer) to the Contracting Officer or the authorized representative.

(D) When requested by the Contracting Officer or the authorized representative, the Contractor shall substantiate invoices (including any subcontractor hours reimbursed at the hourly rate in the schedule) by evidence of actual payment, individual daily job timecards, records that verify the employees meet the qualifications for the labor categories specified in the contract, or other substantiation specified in the contract.

(E) Unless the Schedule prescribes otherwise, the hourly rates in the Schedule shall not be varied by virtue of the Contractor having performed work on an overtime basis.

(1) If no overtime rates are provided in the Schedule and the Contracting Officer approves overtime work in advance, overtime rates shall be negotiated.

(2) Failure to agree upon these overtime rates shall be treated as a dispute under the Disputes clause of this contract.

(3) If the Schedule provides rates for overtime, the premium portion of those rates will be reimbursable only to the extent the overtime is approved by the Contracting Officer.

(ii) Materials.

(A) If the Contractor furnishes materials that meet the definition of a commercial item at 2.101, the price to be paid for such materials shall not exceed the Contractor’s established catalog or market price, adjusted to reflect the—

(1) Quantities being acquired; and

(2) Any modifications necessary because of contract requirements.

(B) Except as provided for in paragraph (i)(1)(ii)(A) and (D)(2) of this clause, the Government will reimburse the Contractor the actual cost of materials (less any rebates, refunds, or discounts received by the contractor that are identifiable to the contract) provided the Contractor—

(1) Has made payments for materials in accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement or invoice; or

(2) Makes these payments within 30 days of the submission of the Contractor’s payment request to the Government and such payment is in accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement or invoice.

(C) To the extent able, the Contractor shall—

(1) Obtain materials at the most advantageous prices available with due regard to securing prompt delivery of satisfactory materials; and

(2) Give credit to the Government for cash and trade discounts, rebates, scrap, commissions, and other amounts that are identifiable to the contract.

(D) Other Costs. Unless listed below, other direct and indirect costs will not be reimbursed.

(1) Other Direct Costs. The Government will reimburse the Contractor on the basis of actual cost for the following, provided such costs comply with the requirements in paragraph (i)(1)(ii)(B) of this clause: Each order must list separately the elements of other direct charge(s) for that order.

(2) Indirect Costs (Material Handling, Subcontract Administration, etc.). The Government will reimburse the Contractor for indirect costs on a pro-rata basis over the period of contract performance at the following fixed price: NONE.

(2) Total cost. It is estimated that the total cost to the Government for the performance of this contract shall not exceed the ceiling price set forth in the Schedule and the Contractor agrees to use its best efforts to perform the work specified in the Schedule and all obligations under this contract within such ceiling price. If at any time the Contractor has reason to believe that the hourly rate payments and material costs that will accrue in performing this contract in the next succeeding 30 days, if added to all other payments and costs previously accrued, will exceed 85 percent of the ceiling price in the Schedule, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer giving a revised estimate of the total price to the Government for performing this contract with supporting reasons and documentation. If at any time during the performance of this contract, the Contractor has reason to believe that the total price to the Government for performing this contract will be substantially greater or less than the then stated ceiling price, the Contractor shall so notify the Contracting Officer, giving a revised estimate of the total price for performing this contract, with supporting reasons and documentation. If at any time during performance of this contract, the Government has reason to believe that the work to be required in performing this contract will be substantially greater or less than the stated ceiling price, the Contracting Officer will so advise the Contractor, giving the then revised estimate of the total amount of effort to be required under the contract.

(3) Ceiling price. The Government will not be obligated to pay the Contractor any amount in excess of the ceiling price in the Schedule, and the Contractor shall not be obligated to continue performance if to do so would exceed the ceiling price set forth in the Schedule, unless and until the Contracting Officer notifies the Contractor in writing that the ceiling price has been increased and specifies in the notice a revised ceiling that shall constitute the ceiling price for performance under this contract. When and to the extent that the ceiling price set forth in the Schedule has been increased, any hours expended and material costs incurred by the Contractor in excess of the ceiling price before the increase shall be allowable to the same extent as if the hours expended and material costs had been incurred after the increase in the ceiling price.

(4) Access to records. At any time before final payment under this contract, the Contracting Officer (or authorized representative) will have access to the following (access shall be limited to the listing below unless otherwise agreed to by the Contractor and the Contracting Officer):

(i) Records that verify that the employees whose time has been included in any invoice meet the qualifications for the labor categories specified in the contract;

(ii) For labor hours (including any subcontractor hours reimbursed at the hourly rate in the schedule), when timecards are required as substantiation for payment—

(A) The original timecards (paper-based or electronic);

(B) The Contractor’s timekeeping procedures;

(C) Contractor records that show the distribution of labor between jobs or contracts; and

(D) Employees whose time has been included in any invoice for the purpose of verifying that these employees have worked the hours shown on the invoices.

(iii) For material and subcontract costs that are reimbursed on the basis of actual cost—

(A) Any invoices or subcontract agreements substantiating material costs; and

(B) Any documents supporting payment of those invoices.

(5) Overpayments/Underpayments. Each payment previously made shall be subject to reduction to the extent of amounts, on preceding invoices, that are found by the Contracting Officer not to have been properly payable and shall also be subject to reduction for overpayments or to increase for underpayments. The Contractor shall promptly pay any such reduction within 30 days unless the parties agree otherwise. The Government within 30 days will pay any such increases, unless the parties agree otherwise. The Contractor’s payment will be made by check. If the Contractor becomes aware of a duplicate invoice payment or that the Government has otherwise overpaid on an invoice payment, the Contractor shall—

(i) Remit the overpayment amount to the payment office cited in the contract along with a description of the overpayment including the—

(A) Circumstances of the overpayment (e.g., duplicate payment, erroneous payment, liquidation errors, date(s) of overpayment);

(B) Affected contract number and delivery order number, if applicable;

(C) Affected line item or subline item, if applicable; and

(D) Contractor point of contact.

(ii) Provide a copy of the remittance and supporting documentation to the Contracting Officer.

(6)(i) All amounts that become payable by the Contractor to the Government under this contract shall bear simple interest from the date due until paid unless paid within 30 days of becoming due. The interest rate shall be the interest rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury, as provided in 41 U.S.C. 7109, which is applicable to the period in which the amount becomes due, and then at the rate applicable for each six month period as established by the Secretary until the amount is paid.

(ii) The Government may issue a demand for payment to the Contractor upon finding a debt is due under the contract.

(iii) Final Decisions. The Contracting Officer will issue a final decision as required by 33.211 if—

(A) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor are unable to reach agreement on the existence or amount of a debt in a timely manner;

(B) The Contractor fails to liquidate a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer within the timeline specified in the demand for payment unless the amounts were not repaid because the Contractor has requested an installment payment agreement; or

(C) The Contractor requests a deferment of collection on a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer (see FAR 32.607-2).

(iv) If a demand for payment was previously issued for the debt, the demand for payment included in the final decision shall identify the same due date as the original demand for payment.

(v) Amounts shall be due at the earliest of the following dates:

(A) The date fixed under this contract.

(B) The date of the first written demand for payment, including any demand for payment resulting from a default termination.

(vi) The interest charge shall be computed for the actual number of calendar days involved beginning on the due date and ending on—

(A) The date on which the designated office receives payment from the Contractor;

(B) The date of issuance of a Government check to the Contractor from which an amount otherwise payable has been withheld as a credit against the contract debt; or

(C) The date on which an amount withheld and applied to the contract debt would otherwise have become payable to the Contractor.

(vii) The interest charge made under this clause may be reduced under the procedures prescribed in 32.608-2 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation in effect on the date of this contract.

(viii) Upon receipt and approval of the invoice designated by the Contractor as the “completion invoice” and supporting documentation, and upon compliance by the Contractor with all terms of this contract, any outstanding balances will be paid within 30 days unless the parties agree otherwise. The completion invoice, and supporting documentation, shall be submitted by the Contractor as promptly as practicable following completion of the work under this contract, but in no event later than 1 year (or such longer period as the Contracting Officer may approve in writing) from the date of completion.

(7) Release of claims. The Contractor, and each assignee under an assignment entered into under this contract and in effect at the time of final payment under this contract, shall execute and deliver, at the time of and as a condition precedent to final payment under this contract, a release discharging the Government, its officers, agents, and employees of and from all liabilities, obligations, and claims arising out of or under this contract, subject only to the following exceptions.

(i) Specified claims in stated amounts, or in estimated amounts if the amounts are not susceptible to exact statement by the Contractor.

(ii) Claims, together with reasonable incidental expenses, based upon the liabilities of the Contractor to third parties arising out of performing this contract, that are not known to the Contractor on the date of the execution of the release, and of which the Contractor gives notice in writing to the Contracting Officer not more than 6 years after the date of the release or the date of any notice to the Contractor that the Government is prepared to make final payment, whichever is earlier.

(iii) Claims for reimbursement of costs (other than expenses of the Contractor by reason of its indemnification of the Government against patent liability), including reasonable incidental expenses, incurred by the Contractor under the terms of this contract relating to patents.

(8) Prompt payment. The Government will make payment in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.

(9) Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If the Government makes payment by EFT, see 52.212-5(b) for the appropriate EFT clause.

(10) Discount. In connection with any discount offered for early payment, time shall be computed from the date of the invoice. For the purpose of computing the discount earned, payment shall be considered to have been made on the date that appears on the payment check or the specified payment date if an electronic funds transfer payment is made.

(f) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence such as, acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, unusually severe weather, and delays of common carriers. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as it is reasonably possible after the commencement of any excusable delay, setting forth the full particulars in connection therewith, shall remedy such occurrence with all reasonable dispatch, and shall promptly give written notice to the Contracting Officer of the cessation of such occurrence.

(g) Invoice.

(1) The Contractor shall submit an original invoice and three copies (or electronic invoice, if authorized) to the address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include—

(i) Name and address of the Contractor;

(ii) Invoice date and number;

(iii) Contract number, line item number and, if applicable, the order number;

(iv) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price and extended price of the items delivered;

(v) Shipping number and date of shipment, including the bill of lading number and weight of shipment if shipped on Government bill of lading;

(vi) Terms of any discount for prompt payment offered;

(vii) Name and address of official to whom payment is to be sent;

(viii) Name, title, and phone number of person to notify in event of defective invoice; and

(ix) Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The Contractor shall include its TIN on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(x) Electronic funds transfer (EFT) banking information.

(A) The Contractor shall include EFT banking information on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(B) If EFT banking information is not required to be on the invoice, in order for the invoice to be a proper invoice, the Contractor shall have submitted correct EFT banking information in accordance with the applicable solicitation provision, contract clause (e.g., 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management, or 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—Other Than System for Award Management), or applicable agency procedures.

(C) EFT banking information is not required if the Government waived the requirement to pay by EFT.

(2) Invoices will be handled in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR Part 1315.

(h) Patent indemnity. The Contractor shall indemnify the Government and its officers, employees and agents against liability, including costs, for actual or alleged direct or contributory infringement of, or inducement to infringe, any United States or foreign patent, trademark or copyright, arising out of the performance of this contract, provided the Contractor is reasonably notified of such claims and proceedings.

(e) Definitions. (1) The clause at FAR 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated herein by reference. As used in this clause—

(i) Direct materials means those materials that enter directly into the end product, or that are used or consumed directly in connection with the furnishing of the end product or service.

(ii) Hourly rate means the rate(s) prescribed in the contract for payment for labor that meets the labor category qualifications of a labor category specified in the contract that are—

(A) Performed by the contractor;

(B) Performed by the subcontractors; or

(C) Transferred between divisions, subsidiaries, or affiliates of the contractor under a common control.

(iii) Materials means—

(A) Direct materials, including supplies transferred between divisions, subsidiaries, or affiliates of the contractor under a common control;

(B) Subcontracts for supplies and incidental services for which there is not a labor category specified in the contract;

(C) Other direct costs (e.g., incidental services for which there is not a labor category specified in the contract, travel, computer usage charges, etc.);

(D) The following subcontracts for services which are specifically excluded from the hourly rate: NONE; and

(E) Indirect costs specifically provided for in this clause.

(iv) Subcontract means any contract, as defined in FAR subpart 2.1, entered into with a subcontractor to furnish supplies or services for performance of the prime contractor a subcontract including transfers between divisions, subsidiaries, or affiliates of a contractor or subcontractor. It includes, but is not limited to, purchase orders, and changes and modifications to purchase orders.

(i) Payments. (1) Work performed. The Government will pay the Contractor as follows upon the submission of commercial invoices approved by the Contracting Officer:

(i) Hourly rate.

(A) The amounts shall be computed by multiplying the appropriate hourly rates prescribed in the contract by the number of direct labor hours performed. Fractional parts of an hour shall be payable on a prorated basis.

(B) The rates shall be paid for all labor performed on the contract that meets the labor qualifications specified in the contract. Labor hours incurred to perform tasks for which labor qualifications were specified in the contract will not be paid to the extent the work is performed by individuals that do not meet the qualifications specified in the contract, unless specifically authorized by the Contracting Officer.

(C) Invoices may be submitted once each month (or at more frequent intervals, if approved by the Contracting Officer) to the Contracting Officer or the authorized representative.

(D) When requested by the Contracting Officer or the authorized representative, the Contractor shall substantiate invoices (including any subcontractor hours reimbursed at the hourly rate in the schedule) by evidence of actual payment, individual daily job timecards, records that verify the employees meet the qualifications for the labor categories specified in the contract, or other substantiation specified in the contract.

(E) Unless the Schedule prescribes otherwise, the hourly rates in the Schedule shall not be varied by virtue of the Contractor having performed work on an overtime basis.

(1) If no overtime rates are provided in the Schedule and the Contracting Officer approves overtime work in advance, overtime rates shall be negotiated.

(2) Failure to agree upon these overtime rates shall be treated as a dispute under the Disputes clause of this contract.

(3) If the Schedule provides rates for overtime, the premium portion of those rates will be reimbursable only to the extent the overtime is approved by the Contracting Officer.

(ii) Materials.

(A) If the Contractor furnishes materials that meet the definition of a commercial item at 2.101, the price to be paid for such materials shall not exceed the Contractor’s established catalog or market price, adjusted to reflect the—

(1) Quantities being acquired; and

(2) Any modifications necessary because of contract requirements.

(B) Except as provided for in paragraph (i)(1)(ii)(A) and (D)(2) of this clause, the Government will reimburse the Contractor the actual cost of materials (less any rebates, refunds, or discounts received by the contractor that are identifiable to the contract) provided the Contractor—

(1) Has made payments for materials in accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement or invoice; or

(2) Makes these payments within 30 days of the submission of the Contractor’s payment request to the Government and such payment is in accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement or invoice.

(C) To the extent able, the Contractor shall—

(1) Obtain materials at the most advantageous prices available with due regard to securing prompt delivery of satisfactory materials; and

(2) Give credit to the Government for cash and trade discounts, rebates, scrap, commissions, and other amounts that are identifiable to the contract.

(D) Other Costs. Unless listed below, other direct and indirect costs will not be reimbursed.

(1) Other Direct Costs. The Government will reimburse the Contractor on the basis of actual cost for the following, provided such costs comply with the requirements in paragraph (i)(1)(ii)(B) of this clause: Each order must list separately the elements of other direct charge(s) for that order

(2) Indirect Costs (Material Handling, Subcontract Administration, etc.). The Government will reimburse the Contractor for indirect costs on a pro-rata basis over the period of contract performance at the following fixed price: NONE

(2) Total cost. It is estimated that the total cost to the Government for the performance of this contract shall not exceed the ceiling price set forth in the Schedule and the Contractor agrees to use its best efforts to perform the work specified in the Schedule and all obligations under this contract within such ceiling price. If at any time the Contractor has reason to believe that the hourly rate payments and material costs that will accrue in performing this contract in the next succeeding 30 days, if added to all other payments and costs previously accrued, will exceed 85 percent of the ceiling price in the Schedule, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer giving a revised estimate of the total price to the Government for performing this contract with supporting reasons and documentation. If at any time during the performance of this contract, the Contractor has reason to believe that the total price to the Government for performing this contract will be substantially greater or less than the then stated ceiling price, the Contractor shall so notify the Contracting Officer, giving a revised estimate of the total price for performing this contract, with supporting reasons and documentation. If at any time during performance of this contract, the Government has reason to believe that the work to be required in performing this contract will be substantially greater or less than the stated ceiling price, the Contracting Officer will so advise the Contractor, giving the then revised estimate of the total amount of effort to be required under the contract.

(3) Ceiling price. The Government will not be obligated to pay the Contractor any amount in excess of the ceiling price in the Schedule, and the Contractor shall not be obligated to continue performance if to do so would exceed the ceiling price set forth in the Schedule, unless and until the Contracting Officer notifies the Contractor in writing that the ceiling price has been increased and specifies in the notice a revised ceiling that shall constitute the ceiling price for performance under this contract. When and to the extent that the ceiling price set forth in the Schedule has been increased, any hours expended and material costs incurred by the Contractor in excess of the ceiling price before the increase shall be allowable to the same extent as if the hours expended and material costs had been incurred after the increase in the ceiling price.

(4) Access to records. At any time before final payment under this contract, the Contracting Officer (or authorized representative) will have access to the following (access shall be limited to the listing below unless otherwise agreed to by the Contractor and the Contracting Officer):

(i) Records that verify that the employees whose time has been included in any invoice meet the qualifications for the labor categories specified in the contract;

(ii) For labor hours (including any subcontractor hours reimbursed at the hourly rate in the schedule), when timecards are required as substantiation for payment—

(A) The original timecards (paper-based or electronic);

(B) The Contractor’s timekeeping procedures;

(C) Contractor records that show the distribution of labor between jobs or contracts; and

(D) Employees whose time has been included in any invoice for the purpose of verifying that these employees have worked the hours shown on the invoices.

(iii) For material and subcontract costs that are reimbursed on the basis of actual cost—

(A) Any invoices or subcontract agreements substantiating material costs; and

(B) Any documents supporting payment of those invoices.

(5) Overpayments/Underpayments. Each payment previously made shall be subject to reduction to the extent of amounts, on preceding invoices, that are found by the Contracting Officer not to have been properly payable and shall also be subject to reduction for overpayments or to increase for underpayments. The Contractor shall promptly pay any such reduction within 30 days unless the parties agree otherwise. The Government within 30 days will pay any such increases, unless the parties agree otherwise.