47QFHA26Q0003_Solicitation_Combined_Synopsis_2025-01-07.pdf

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION

DESCRIPTION

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or commercial services prepared in accordance with FAR Part 12. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation.

Offers are being requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

Solicitation number 47QFHA26Q0003. is issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ) for a master's degree granting program, the Secretary of War Strategic Thinkers Program (STP), providing graduate-level education for mid-career military officers and government civilians.

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

LINE ITEMS (See Exhibit A for CLIN Details)

CLIN 0001 - STP Enrollment and Administration Quantity: 1 Unit: EA Period of Performance: Award to 31 July 2026

CLIN 1001 - STP Professional Services (FFP)

Quantity: 1 Unit: YR Period of Performance: 12 months

CLIN 1002 - STP Professional Services 2 (FFP) Quantity: 1 Unit: YR Period of Performance: 12 months

CLIN 1003 - Tuition & Fees (FFP per Student) Quantity: 24 Unit: EA Period of Performance: 12 months

CLIN 1004 - Travel (CNF)

CLIN 2001 - STP Professional Services (FFP) Option Year 1

Quantity: 1 Unit: YR Period of Performance: 12 months

CLIN 2002 - STP Professional Services 2 (FFP) Option Year 1 Quantity: 1 http://www.acquisition.gov/

Unit: YR Period of Performance: 12 months

CLIN 2003 - Tuition & Fees (FFP per Student) Option Year 1 Quantity: 24 Unit: EA Period of Performance: 12 months

CLIN 2004 - Travel (CNF) Option Year 1

CLIN 3001 - STP Professional Services (FFP) Option Year 2

Quantity: 1 Unit: YR Period of Performance: 12 months

CLIN 3002 - STP Professional Services 2 (FFP) Option Year 2 Quantity: 1 Unit: YR Period of Performance: 12 months

CLIN 3003 - Tuition & Fees (FFP per Student) Option Year 2 Quantity: 24 Unit: EA Period of Performance: 12 months

CLIN 3004 - Travel (CNF) Option Year 2

REQUIREMENTS DESCRIPTION

Brand Name Component: This is a competitive requirement that includes a Brand Name Component. This is a brand name requirement IAW FAR 12.102(b) for the existing STP "Art of War" curriculum (approximately ½ of the program), which is custom-designed for the government's needs. Creating a new curriculum would result in substantial duplication of cost and/or unacceptable delays.

The contractor shall provide:

● A 12-month master's degree program (Master’s in International Public Policy (MIPP) or equivalent) for up to 24 students per cohort

● All personnel, equipment, supplies, books, facilities (including classroom and office space for Instructor and Administrator), and services required

● Computers for the Instructor and Administrator

● Core curriculum including four STP-specific courses and four courses from the contractor's catalog

● Two war game exercises per academic year

● One staff ride in May of each academic year

● Weekly assignments, discussions, and one-on-one engagements

Performance Standard: STP graduates shall possess advanced cognitive and analytical skills necessary to engage civilian and military leaders on military strategy and operations.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

The following performance standards will be monitored through the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. See attached PRS (47QFHA25K0010_Solicitation_Attachment 2_PRS_2025-10-29) for details.

DELIVERY AND ACCEPTANCE

Place of Performance: Contractor's facility Delivery Dates: Services to be performed throughout each 12-month period Acceptance: At contractor's facility upon satisfactory completion of deliverables F.O.B. Point: N/A (services contract)

DELIVERABLES SCHEDULE

1. Changes to the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Unique Identifiers (UIDs) - No Later Than (NLT) 60 workdays following the changes in the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS)

2. Semi-annual reports - December 31 and June 30

3. Professor Evaluations - Within 30 days of each semester end

4. Annual budget - By July 15

5. Curriculum outline - By July 15

6. Weekly Activities Report - Every Wednesday COB

7. Staff Ride Report - Within 30 days of completion

8. War Games Report - Within 30 days of completion

9. Master's Degree - By June 1 for each student

All deliverables to be submitted via email/ASSIST to TPOC and COR

APPLICABLE PROVISIONS

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

As prescribed in 12.205(a)(1), insert a clause substantially as follows:

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2025)

(a) Submission of offers. Submit signed and dated offers to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. As a minimum, offers shall include—

(1) The solicitation number;

(2) The name, address, telephone number of the Offeror;

(3) The Offeror’s Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and, if applicable, Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator;

(4) Information necessary to evaluate the factors contained in the provision at 52.212-2 or as described in the solicitation;

(5) Responses to provisions that require Offeror completion of information, representations, and certifications

(other than those collected via the System for Award Management (SAM)); and

(6) A statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation and any solicitation amendments.

(b) Period for acceptance of offers. The Offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 120 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation.

(c) Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals of offers.

(1) Offerors are responsible for submitting offers and any modifications or revisions to the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation.

(2) Any offer, modification, or revision received after the time specified for receipt of offers is “late” and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made and the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition. However, a late modification of an otherwise successful offer that makes its terms more favorable to the Government will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

(3) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that offers cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of offers by the exact time specified in the solicitation, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation or other notice of an extension of the closing date, the time specified for receipt of offers will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.

(4) Offerors may withdraw their offers by written notice to the Government received at any time before award.

(d) Contract award (not applicable to Invitation for Bids). The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with Offerors. Therefore, the Offeror’s initial offer should contain the

Offeror’s best terms. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions, if necessary. The

Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest, accept other than the lowest offer, and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

(e) Debriefings. If a postaward debriefing is given to requesting Offerors, the Government will disclose the following information, if applicable:

(1) The agency’s evaluation of the significant weak or deficient factors in the debriefed Offeror’s offer.

(2) The overall evaluated cost or price and technical rating of the successful Offeror and the debriefed Offeror and past performance information on the debriefed Offeror.

(3) The overall ranking of all Offerors when any ranking was developed by the agency during source selection.

(4) A summary of the rationale for award.

(5) For acquisitions of commercial products, the make and model of the product to be delivered by the successful Offeror.

(6) Reasonable responses to relevant questions posed by the debriefed Offeror as to whether the agency followed source-selection procedures set forth in the solicitation, applicable regulations, and other applicable authorities.

(End of provision)

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference.

As prescribed in 52.107(a), insert the following provision:

SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

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

FAR

PROVISION

TITLE DATE

52.203-11 Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence

Certain Federal Transactions Sep 2024

52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain

Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation Jan 2017

52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality

Agreements or Statements Jan 2017

52.204-7 System for Award Management Nov 2024

52.207-6

Solicitation of Offers from Small Business Concerns and Small Business Teaming Arrangements or Joint Ventures (Multiple-Award

Contracts) Aug 2024

52.209-7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters Oct 2018

52.209-12 Certification Regarding Tax Matters Oct 2025

52.222-56 Certification Regarding Trafficking in Persons Compliance Plan Oct 2025

52.225-20 Prohibition on Conducting Restricted Business Operations in

Sudan-Certification Aug 2009

52.225-25

Prohibition on Contracting With Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran—Representation and

Certifications Jun 2020

52.229-11 Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements—Notice and Representation Jun 2020

52.232-15 Progress Payments Not Included Apr 1984

52.232-31 Invitation to Propose Financing Terms Dec 2022

52.233-2 Service of Protest Sept 2006

52.237-10 Identification of Uncompensated Overtime Mar 2015

52.240-90 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and

Certifications Nov 2025

DFARS

TITLE DATE

252.203-7005 Representation of Relating to Compensation of Former DoD

Officials Sep 2022

252.204-7008 Compliance with Safeguarding Covered Defense Information

Controls Oct 2016

TITLE DATE

252.204-7016 Covered Defense Telecommunications Equipment or Services -

Representation Dec 2019

252.204-7017 Prohibition on the Acquisition of Covered Defense

Telecommunication Equipment or Services - Representation May 2021

252.204-7019 Notice of NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Requirements Nov 2023

252.204-7024 Notice on the use of the Supplier Performance Risk System Mar 2023

252.209-7002 Disclosure of Ownership or Control by a Foreign Government Dec 2022

252.209-7011 Representation for Restriction on the Use of Certain Institutions of

Higher Education Aug 2025

(End of provision)

52.216-1 Type of Contract As prescribed in 16.104 , complete and insert the following provision:

Type of Contract (Nov 2025)

The Government contemplates award of a Firm Fixed Price contract resulting from this solicitation.

52.212-2 Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

As prescribed in 12.205(a)(2), insert a provision substantially as follows:

EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2025)

Evaluation Factors for Award

(Commercial Services – Streamlined Procedures IAW FAR 12.202 and 12.203(c))

Basis for Award: Award will be made to the responsible Quoter whose quote is most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The Government will use a trade-off process in accordance with FAR 12.203(c), exercising broad discretion to perform a comparative evaluation of quotations. After responsiveness (Program Capability Requirements) is determined, the government will evaluate the non-price Factors 1 (Technical Approach). Factor 1 is more important than Factor 2 (Price).

The AAS CO reserves the right, at the conclusion of the evaluation process and after the AAS CO has determined the Government’s apparent best value awardee but prior to award, to negotiate exclusively with that proposed awardee on all aspects of that quoter’s quote that the AAS CO deems appropriate, including but not limited to technical and price issues, negotiating changes to specific quote terms, in order to finalize terms of the award. If the AAS CO is unable to negotiate with that quoter to terms agreeable to the Government, then the AAS CO reserves the right to negotiate similarly with the quoter that was next-in-line to be the apparent best value awardee. Once the Government has begun communications with the next-in-line contractor, no further communications with the original apparent best value awardee quoter will be entertained until after the award has been made. This process may continue with the quoters that submitted quotes until an award is made, or until a decision is made to reopen negotiations with all quoters, or until the AAS CO determines to make no award. Post-selection negotiations, if any, with the apparent best value awardee shall not constitute a competitive range determination and shall not otherwise entitle other quoters, if any, to an opportunity to revise quotes.

Responsiveness Requirements (Pass/Fail): Only those Quoters meeting all Responsiveness Requirements will be considered for award. Failure to meet any of the following will result in the Quoter being found non-responsive and ineligible for further evaluation.

Program Capability Requirements

● Quoter shall establish a Tentative Agreement with the STP Director (Contractor) (Exhibit C – Hiring Agreement).

○ Quoters must contact the Contracting Officer via email to receive the contact information of the STP Director (Contractor) and the agreement form.

○ The Quoter shall engage in good-faith negotiations with the STP Director (Contractor) regarding all matters identified in the PWS and solicitation, as well as reasonable compensation. In the event that negotiations between the Quoter and the STP Director (Contractor) reach an impasse, the Quoter shall notify the Contracting Officer as soon as practicable, with a best-effort target of within 24 hours of identifying the impasse.

● Quoter shall acknowledge that specific employment terms (academic status, tenure, compensation, benefits, etc.) are solely between the STP Director (Contractor) and the Quoter and are not a requirement of the Government.

● Quoter shall provide a copy of their Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Unique Identifier(s) (UID(s)) issued by the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) for each contractor information system that will process, store, or transmit Federal Contractor Information (FCI) or Confidential Unclassified Information (CUI) during the performance of work per DFARS 252.204-7025. Quoter selected for award shall be CMMC Level 2 Self-Certified prior to award.

○ Visit the SPRS website for further information and training.

https://www.sprs.csd.disa.mil/

Facility Location: Quoter must demonstrate capability to provide an academic program facility located within 20 miles of the Pentagon (1400 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-1400). Access to the place of performance should be attainable from the Pentagon via the Metro system and the commute from the Pentagon should not exceed 30 minutes. Quotes must include the specific address of the proposed facility.

Quoter must demonstrate:

● Institutional Accreditation and Program Capability - Quoter must be an accredited (e.g., Middle States, SACSCOC) institution of higher education with documented experience delivering graduate-level instruction in relevant fields (strategic studies, international affairs, or related disciplines). Confirmation that the facility meets graduate-level academic instruction standards.

Evaluation Factors (Trade-Off)

Factor 1 – Technical Approach

● The government will assess how well the Quoter’s proposed degree program, facilities, accreditation, faculty, and curriculum collectively support STP objectives.

● Electives will be evaluated holistically for relevance to the STP, particularly alignment with:

○ Regional specializations tied to Combatant Commands (EUCOM, AFRICOM, CENTCOM, etc.).

○ Topics relevant to military strategy (international economics, statecraft, national security, etc.).

○ Quoters must identify Expected Learning Outcomes (ELOs) and Terminal Learning

Objectives (TLOs) to each offered elective to demonstrate how the program meets Senior Service College (SSC) equivalency standards. See Exhibit D - SSC Standards.

Factor 2 – Price

● Price will be evaluated for reasonableness in accordance with FAR 12.204(a). Ensure your pricing is encapsulated within Exhibit A - Price Workbook.

Quoter Submission Instructions

Quotes Due: January 28, 2026 11:59pm, Central Submit To: Paul.Hemenway@gsa.gov Point of Contact:

● Contract Specialist: Tim Cosgrove Darryl Williams

● Contracting Officer: Paul Hemenway

● Email: Timothy.Cosgrove@gsa.gov darryl.williams@gsa.gov Paul.Hemenway@gsa.gov mailto:Timothy.Cosgrove@gsa.gov mailto:darryl.williams@gsa.gov mailto:Paul.Hemenway@gsa.gov

All documents provided by the Quoter shall be labeled as CUI//SP-SSEL//FEDCON in the top of the document and CUI in the file name. For more information pertaining to CUI please visit https://www.archives.gov/cui.

Quotes shall be submitted electronically prior to the closing date and time identified to above mentioned email addresses.

Technical Questions – Questions regarding this request for quote (RFQ) shall be in writing and shall be sent via email to above mentioned email addresses no later than 13 January 2026, 11:59pm Central Time.

Telephonic inquiries will not be accepted. All correspondence shall reference the solicitation number. All questions will be answered electronically so that all potential Quoters will see both the questions and answers.

Your response, including base and option year pricing, must be in full compliance with the instructions in this solicitation. The response (to include price/cost) shall be valid for 90 calendar days. Please ensure that you have read the attached documents, and then submit your response by the date and time indicated in this solicitation.

In addition to providing a written technical proposal, the contractor shall use the following exhibits and sections of the RFQ for providing additional responses to this Solicitation as applicable:

A. Price Workbook B. Q&A Template C. Hiring Agreement D. SSC Standards

Quoters shall submit three separate PDF Volumes as described below. Failure to follow these instructions may result in the quotation being found non-responsive. Additional submittals will include:

● Exhibit A - Price Workbook

● Exhibit C - Hiring Agreement

Volume I – Responsiveness Requirements (Pass/Fail)

Page Limit: 7 pages (Exhibit C is excluded from the page count) Purpose: Establish that the Quoter meets all mandatory eligibility requirements. Only Quoters meeting all requirements will be considered for trade-off analysis and award.

Instructions:

● Tab 1 – Program Capability Requirements

○ Demonstrate authority to employ the “The Art of War Curriculum” STP Director

(Contractor) via Exhibit C.

○ Confirm the awardee will employ and compensate the STP Director (Contractor) directly.

https://www.archives.gov/cui

○ Acknowledge that employment terms (tenure, compensation, benefits, academic status) are solely between the STP Director (Contractor) and the Quoter and are not a Government requirement.

○ Provide Exhibit C – Hiring Agreement, signed by both the STP Director (Contractor) and an authorized Quoter official. (Additional Attachment to Quote Submission)

● Tab 2 – Facility Location

○ Confirm the proposed facility is located within 20 miles of the Pentagon.

○ Provide the specific street address.

○ Provide proof of ownership or lease agreement.

○ Confirm the facility meets graduate-level academic instruction standards.

● Tab 3 – Institutional Accreditation and Program Capability

○ Provide accreditation documentation (regional or national).

○ Demonstrate experience delivering graduate-level instruction in relevant fields (strategic studies, international affairs, etc.).

○ Demonstrate faculty expertise, resources, and administrative capacity to support the STP

Director (Contractor) and program.

● Tab 4 – Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification

○ Required Certifications: The quoter shall provide evidence that it possesses the required certifications in compliance with DFARS 252.204-7025

Formatting:

● Respond to each bullet separately and clearly.

● Maximum 7 pages, Excluding Exhibit C.

Volume II – Technical (Factor 1)

Page Limit: 10 pages Purpose: Evaluation of trade-off factors.

Instructions:

● Tab 1 – Factor 1: Technical Approach

○ Describe how the degree program, facilities, accreditation, faculty, and curriculum collectively support STP objectives.

○ Describe integration of the STP Director (Contractor)’s proprietary curriculum.

○ Electives must be described in bullets showing:

■ Regional specialization alignment (EUCOM, AFRICOM, CENTCOM, etc.)

■ Relevance to military strategy (international economics, statecraft, national security, etc.)

■ Provide Expected Learning Outcomes (ELOs) and Terminal Learning Objectives (TLOs) for each elective demonstrating SSC equivalency (Exhibit D – SSC Standards).

● Maximum 10 pages for Volume II.

Volume III – General and Price Page Limit: None Purpose: Provide total price and any required breakdowns.

Instructions:

● Include supporting rationale sufficient for the Government to determine price reasonableness.

● No technical or responsiveness information shall appear in this volume.

● Signed copies of all documents requiring Quoter signature

● Tab 1 – Transmittal Summary Letter

○ Provide Quoter information: name, title, telephone number, address, email, and UEI

○ Identify individuals authorized to negotiate with the Government and main point of contact after award

○ List quote package contents

○ Acknowledge any amendments to the RFQ as instructed

○ Include written submissions regarding actual or potential Organizational Conflict of

Interest (OCI) between the University and all stakeholders:

■ Review FAR 9.5 and DFARS 209.5

■ Submit proposed mitigation plan if an OCI is identified

■ Government may exclude Quoter if OCI cannot be mitigated

● Tab 2 – Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements

○ Confirm completion of online SAM representations/certifications, including NAICS, and

UEI.

○ Active/current SAM.gov registration required for award

● Tab 3 – Exceptions/Assumptions (if applicable)

○ Identify and explain any exceptions or deviations

○ List assumptions used in quote preparation

○ The government may exclude Quoter if it’s determined the exceptions compromise successful contract performance.

● Tab 4 – Contract Line-Item Number (CLIN)

○ Complete CLIN structure/schedule

○ Include Unit Price (nearest cent) and Net Amount for each Line Item in Section B

● Tab 5 – Price Details and Price Narrative

○ Include details for all labor resources (labor categories, hours, rates, etc.)

○ Include any additional discounts offered

○ Service Contract Act applicability or exemption status for each labor category

○ Any incidental direct costs and equipment

● Tab 6 – Subcontracting

○ List all proposed Subcontractors with UEI (if applicable)

● Complete and submit the Price Workbook template (See Exhibit A) separately

● Clearly label tables or line items using bullets where appropriate.

● No page limit for Volume III.

Submission Checklist

Volume I – Responsiveness Requirements (Pass/Fail) Tab 1 – Program Capability Requirements Tab 2 – Facility Location Tab 3 – Institutional Accreditation and Program Capability Tab 4 – Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification

Volume II – Technical (Factors 1)

Tab 1 – Factor 1: Technical Approach

Volume III – General and Price Tab 1 – Transmittal Summary Letter Tab 2 – Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements Tab 3 – Exceptions/Assumptions (if applicable) Tab 4 – Contract Line-Item Number (CLIN) Tab 5 – Price Details and Price Narrative Tab 6 – Subcontracting

Exhibit C - Hiring Agreement

Exhibit A - Price Workbook

Additional Notes:

● Clear structure and headers are required for all responses under each tab.

● Page limits must be observed strictly; over-limit submissions may be deemed non-compliant.

● Each PDF or Exhibit must be clearly labeled with Volume number, title, and Quoter name.

Methodology for Documenting the Technical Evaluation

Rationale for Rating

After reviewing each quote under the technical evaluation criteria for each factor and reaching consensus on the final ratings, the Technical Evaluation Board (TEB) Chairperson must prepare a narrative statement explaining why the quote merits the chosen rating(s). This is called “Rationale for Rating.” There shall be a Rationale for Rating for the quote overall and for each factor. The Rationale for Rating section(s) should describe how the response meets the applicable technical evaluation criteria. While the description need not be long, exhaustive, or all-encompassing, it should contain sufficient detail and depth of treatment to enable an outside reader unfamiliar with the procurement to understand how the TEB arrived at its consensus rating.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Deficiencies, and Assumptions The terms used in the technical evaluation have the following meanings:

Significant Strength - An aspect of a Quoter’s quote with appreciable merit or will exceed specified performance or capability requirements to the considerable advantage of the Government during contract performance.

Strength – an aspect of a Quoter's quote with merit or will exceed specified performance or capability requirements to the advantage of the Government during contract performance.

Weakness – a flaw in the quote that increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance.

Significant Weakness – a flaw that appreciably increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance.

Deficiency – a material failure of a quote to meet a Government requirement or a combination of significant weaknesses in a quote that increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance to an unacceptable level.

Technically Acceptable - an observation that does not meet the definition of a “significant strength”, “strength”, "weakness”, "significant weakness” or “deficiency” but rather affirms that the Quoter’s quote meets specified performance or capability requirements during contract performance.

Adjectival Ratings The TEB will use an adjectival rating scheme to rate each quote. The TEB will assign an overall technical quote rating using the same adjectival rating scheme (OUTSTANDING, GOOD, ACCEPTABLE, MARGINAL, UNACCEPTABLE); however, the quality of the quote, risk of unsuccessful performance, and the relative importance of individual evaluation factors are the primary considerations in the TEB determining the overall technical quote rating.

Note: A reference to weaknesses outweighing or being outweighed by strengths means outweighed in terms of overall quality, not quantity, since strengths and weaknesses may differ in importance.

- OUTSTANDING

The quote meets the requirements and indicates an exceptional approach and understanding of the requirements. It contains at least one significant strength and multiple strengths, and the strengths far outweigh any weaknesses. Risk of unsuccessful performance is low.

- GOOD

The quote meets the requirements and indicates a thorough approach and understanding of the requirements. It contains at least one strength or significant strength, which outweigh any weaknesses. Risk of unsuccessful performance is low to moderate.

- ACCEPTABLE

The quote meets the requirements and indicates an adequate approach and understanding of the requirements. Strengths and weaknesses are offsetting, and risk of unsuccessful performance is no worse than moderate.

- MARGINAL

The quote does not demonstrate an adequate approach and understanding of the requirements. It contains one or more weaknesses which are not offset by strengths. Risk of unsuccessful performance is high making the quote unawardable.

- UNACCEPTABLE

The quote does not meet requirements of the solicitation and, thus, contains one or more deficiencies and the quote is unawardable, and/or the performance risk is unacceptable.

Consensus Rating Procedures After TEB Members have individually reviewed each quote and determined how the Quoter met each evaluation factor identifying strengths, weaknesses, and deficiencies, the TEB will meet to develop the consensus evaluation rating. Strengths, weaknesses, and deficiencies associated with the consensus rating will be documented in detail in the TEB Consensus Report. The TEB Consensus Report represents the consensus ratings and strengths, weaknesses, and/or deficiencies that support the consensus ratings. Consensus ratings use the adjectival ratings as defined in each of the respective sections.

If any factor is rated UNACCEPTABLE then the overall rating will be UNACCEPTABLE.

Desired Quote Qualities The rating standards by factor are contained in the detailed rating methodology that follows.

Adjectives utilized in the detailed rating methodology are defined as follows:

a. Beneficial – Producing good or helpful results or effects. Providing benefits.

b. Clear – Easy to understand.

c. Comprehensive – Encompasses all aspects of the approach.

d. Detailed – Facilitates a full understanding of the proposed solution. Thorough. Includes minute details.

e. Effective – Provides identifiable benefit to the Government relative to requirements.

f. Efficient – Capable of producing results without waste of materials, time, or effort.

g. Feasible – Possible to do easily or conveniently within typical resource constraints.

h. Practical – Likely to succeed and be effective in actual practice.

i. Proactive – Taking an active role with ensuring excellent performance before an event arises.

j. Quickly – Promptly, rapidly, above normal speed.

k. Relevant – Specific to these requirements. Directly connected with the Government’s requirements, conditions, standard, and processes.

(a) Options. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. The evaluation of options does not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(b) Notice of award. A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer furnished to the successful Quoter within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of provision)

DFARS 252.204-7025 NOTICE OF CYBERSECURITY MATURITY MODEL

CERTIFICATION LEVEL REQUIREMENTS (NOV 2025)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision, “controlled unclassified information (CUI),” “current,”

“Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) status,” “Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification unique identifier (CMMC UID),” “Federal contract information (FCI)”, and “plan of action and milestones” have the meaning given in the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 252.204-7021, Contractor

Compliance With the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Level Requirements, clause of this solicitation.

(b)

(1) Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) level. The CMMC level required by this solicitation is: CMMC Level 2 (Self). This CMMC level, or higher (see 32 CFR part 170), is required prior to award for each contractor information system that will process, store, or transmit Federal contract information (FCI) or controlled unclassified information (CUI) during performance of the contract.

(2) The Offeror will not be eligible for award of a contract, task order, or delivery order resulting from this solicitation if the Offeror does not have, for each of the contractor information systems that will process, store, or transmit FCI or CUI and that will be used in performance of a contract resulting from this solicitation—

(i) The current CMMC status entered in the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) (https://piee.eb.mil) at the CMMC level required by paragraph (b)(1) of this provision; and

(ii) A current affirmation of continuous compliance with the security requirements identified at 32 CFR part

170 in SPRS.

(c) Plan of action and milestones. If the Offeror has a CMMC Status of Conditional, the Offeror shall successfully close out a valid plan of action and milestones (32 CFR 170.21) to achieve a CMMC Status of

Final.

(d) CMMC unique identifiers. The Offeror shall provide, in the proposal, the CMMC unique identifier(s)

(CMMC UIDs) issued by SPRS for each contractor information system that will process, store, or transmit FCI or CUI during performance of a contract, task order, or delivery order resulting from this solicitation. The

Offeror also shall update the list when new CMMC UIDs are generated in SPRS. The CMMC UIDs are provided in SPRS after the Offeror enters the results of self-assessment(s) for each such information system.

APPLICABLE CLAUSES

52.212-4 Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

As prescribed in 12.205(b)(3), insert the following clause:

TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2025)

(a) Definitions. The clause at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated by reference.

(b) Inspection/Acceptance. The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If repair/replacement or reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the Government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming supplies or services. The Government must exercise its post acceptance rights—

(1) Within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered; and

(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.

(c) 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.

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

(e) 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 FAR 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated in this contract by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

(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. Examples of occurrences include 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. When an excusable delay occurs, the Contractor shall—

(1) Notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as possible;

(2) Remedy the delay as quickly as possible; and

(3) Notify the Contracting Officer when the occurrence is over.

(g) Invoice. The Government will handle invoices according to the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and

5 CFR part 1315. The Contractor shall submit invoices to the address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include the information required by 5 CFR part 1315.9(b).

(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.

(i) Payment—

(1) Items accepted. Payment shall be made for items accepted by the Government that have been delivered to the delivery destinations set forth in this contract.

(2) 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.

(3) 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.

(4) Overpayments. If the Contractor becomes aware of a duplicate contract financing or invoice payment or that the Government has otherwise overpaid on a contract financing or 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;

(D) Contractor point of contact; and

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

(5) Interest.(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 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section3903&num=0&edition=prelim http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section3903&num=0&edition=prelim applicable to the period in which the amount becomes due, as provided in (i)(6)(v) of this clause, and then at the rate applicable for each six-month period as fixed 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 FAR part 33 if–

(A) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor are unable to reach agreement on the existence or amount of a debt within 30 days;

(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 part 32).

(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 termination for cause.

(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 for interest credits prescribed in FAR part 32 in effect on the date of this contract.

(j) Risk of loss. Unless the contract specifically provides otherwise, risk of loss or damage to the supplies provided under this contract shall remain with the Contractor until, and shall pass to the Government upon—

(1) Delivery of the supplies to a carrier, if transportation is f.o.b. origin; or

(2) Delivery of the supplies to the Government at the destination specified in the contract, if transportation is f.o.b. destination.

(k) Taxes. The contract price includes all applicable Federal, State, and local taxes and duties.

(l) Termination for the Government’s convenience. The Government reserves the right to terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for its sole convenience. In the event of such termination, the Contractor shall immediately stop all work and shall immediately cause any and all of its suppliers and subcontractors to cease work. Subject to the terms of this contract, the Contractor shall be paid a percentage of the contract price reflecting the percentage of the work performed prior to the notice of termination, plus reasonable charges the

Contractor can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Government using its standard record keeping system, have resulted from the termination. The Contractor shall not be required to comply with the cost accounting standards or contract cost principles for this purpose. This paragraph does not give the Government any right to audit the Contractor’s records. The Contractor shall not be paid for any work performed or costs incurred which reasonably could have been avoided.

(m) Termination for cause. The Government may terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for cause in the event of any default by the Contractor, or if the Contractor fails to comply with any contract terms and conditions, or fails to provide the Government, upon request, with adequate assurances of future performance.

The Government will send a cure notice to the Contractor, unless the reason for the termination is late delivery.

In the event of termination for cause, the Government shall not be liable to the Contractor for any amount for supplies or services not accepted, and the Contractor shall be liable to the Government for any and all rights and remedies provided by law. If it is determined that the Government improperly terminated this contract for default, such termination shall be deemed a termination for convenience.

(n) Title. Unless specified elsewhere in this contract, title to items furnished under this contract shall pass to the

Government upon acceptance, regardless of when or where the Government takes physical possession.

(o) Warranty. The Contractor warrants and implies that the items delivered under this contract are merchantable and fit for use for the particular purpose described in this contract.

(p) Limitation of liability. Except as otherwise provided by an express warranty, the Contractor will not be liable to the Government for consequential damages resulting from any defect or deficiencies in accepted items.

(q) Compliance with laws unique to Government contracts. The Contractor agrees to comply with 31 U.S.C.

1352 relating to limitations on the use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracts; 40 U.S.C.

chapter 37, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards; 41 U.S.C. chapter 87, Kickbacks; 49 U.S.C. 40118, Government-financed air transportation; and 41 U.S.C. chapter 21 relating to procurement integrity.

(r) Order of precedence. Any inconsistencies in this solicitation or contract shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order:

(1) The schedule of supplies/services;

(2) The Disputes, Payments, Invoice, Compliance with Laws Unique to Government Contracts, and

Unauthorized Obligations paragraphs of this clause;

(3) Other contract clauses incorporated in the solicitation or contract;

(4) Addenda to this solicitation or contract;

(5) Solicitation provisions incorporated in the solicitation;

(6) Other paragraphs of this clause;

(7) Other documents, exhibits, and attachments; and

(8) The specification.

(s) Unauthorized obligations.

(1) Except as stated in paragraph (s)(2) of this clause, when any supply or service acquired under this contract is subject to any End User License Agreement (EULA), Terms of Service (TOS), or similar instrument or agreement, that includes any clause requiring the Government to indemnify the Contractor or any person or entity for damages, costs, fees, or any other loss or liability that would create an Anti-Deficiency Act violation

(31 U.S.C. 1341), the following shall govern:

(i) Any such clause is unenforceable against the Government.

(ii) Neither the Government nor any Government-authorized end user shall be deemed to have agreed to such clause by virtue of it appearing in the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement. If the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement is invoked through an “I agree” click box or other comparable mechanism (e.g., “click-wrap” or “browse-wrap” agreements), execution does not bind the Government or any

Government authorized end user to such clause.

(iii) Any such clause is deemed to be stricken from the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement.

(2) Paragraph (s)(1) of this clause does not apply to indemnification by the Government that is expressly authorized by statute and specifically authorized under applicable agency regulations and procedures.

(t) Comptroller General examination of record. This paragraph applies if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid procedures and is in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold on the date of award of this contract.

(1) The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative of the Comptroller General, shall have access to and right to examine any of the Contractor’s directly pertinent records involving transactions related to this contract.

(2) The Contractor shall make available at its offices, at all reasonable times, the records, materials, and other evidence for examination, audit, or reproduction, until 3 years after final payment under this contract or for any shorter period specified in FAR part 4, longer period required by statute, or periods specified in other clauses of this contract. If this contract is completely or partially terminated, the records relating to the work terminated shall be made available for 3 years after any resulting final termination settlement. Records relating to appeals under the disputes clause or to litigation or the settlement of claims arising under or relating to this contract shall be made available until such appeals, litigation, or claims are finally resolved.

(3) As used in this clause, records include books, documents, accounting procedures and practices, and other data, regardless of type and regardless of form. This clause does not require the Contractor to create or maintain any record that the Contractor does not maintain in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to a provision of law.

(u) Incorporation by reference. The Contractor’s representations and certifications, including those completed electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM), are incorporated by reference into the contract.

(End of clause)

Alternate I (NOV 2025). When contemplating a time-and-materials or labor-hour contract, substitute the following paragraphs (a), (b), (i), (l), and (m) for those in the basic clause.

(a) The clause at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated by reference. As used in this clause—

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.

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—

(1) Performed by the contractor;

(2) Performed by the subcontractors; or

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

Materials means—

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

(2) Subcontracts for supplies and incidental…