6923G523Q1067_Rev1.pdf

6923G523Q1067

Public Relations and Outreach Support Services

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services prepared in accordance with the Format in

Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

The solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 2023-03 dated April 26, 2023. This requirement is being solicited as a 100% Small Business Set-aside using FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items and FAR Part 13.5 Simplified Acquisitions for Certain Commercial Items. The NAICS

Code is 541820 -Public Relations Service with a small business size standard of $19 million. The solicitation number is 6923G523Q1067.

**NOTE: Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov and have an active registration at the time of this solicitation closing.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES: See Attachment B –Pricing Sheet.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK: The Contractor shall assist with developing public relations and outreach materials for use in educating the public on pertinent issues affecting transportation in the region, assist with increasing awareness of the Great Lakes Seaway System as a maritime gateway for global markets for commercial trade; and support the communications strategy, trade development efforts, and public relations outreach. All in exact accordance with this solicitation and the attached Performance Work Statement

(Attachment A).

CONTRACT TYPE: This solicitation is a Request for Proposal (RFP) that will result in the award of a time and materials, contract under FAR Part 12 and FAR Subpart 13.5, subject to the availability of funds.

CONTRACT PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The performance period for this requirement starts on or about January 1, 2024 and consists of (1) 12-month Base Period and two (2) 12-month Option Periods.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: The place of performance shall be the contractor’s facility.

INDUSTRY DAY (virtual): August 2, 2023, 09:00 AM EST. Register no later than July 31, 2023, 2:00 PM

EST via electronic (e-mail) to Chora.Snyder@dot.gov. Registrants will receive an emailed invitation for attendance.

QUESTIONS: It is strongly encouraged to submit questions regarding this solicitation by August 7, 2023, at

2:00pm EST. After this due date further requests may not be accepted due to time constraints. For questions regarding this solicitation, contact Chora Snyder, chora.snyder@dot.gov.

QUOTATION DUE DATE: Quotations must be sent via e-mail to Purchasing@dot.gov, arrive no later than

October 31, 2023, 2:00 PM EST.

ANTICIPATED AWARD DATE: The anticipated date of award is on or about December 1, 2023.

mailto:Chora.Snyder@dot.gov mailto:chora.snyder@dot.gov mailto:Chora.Snyder@dot.gov

SECTION II -SOLICITATION CLAUSES

The following clauses from the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Transportation Acquisition

Regulation (TAR) are incorporated into this contract.

CLAUSES INCORPORTED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this address: https://www.acquisition.gov.

(End of Clause)

CLAUSES TITLE DATE

52.202-1 Definitions Jun 2020

52.203-3 Gratuities Apr 1984

52.203-7 Anti-Kickback Procedures Jun 2020

52.203-12 Limitation on Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions Jun 2020

52.203-16 Preventing Personal Conflicts of Interest Jun 2020

52.203-17 Whistleblower Protections and Requirement to Inform Employees Jun 2010 of Whistleblower Rights

52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements Jan 2017 or Statements

52.204-4 Printed or Copied Double-Sided on Postconsumer Fiber Content Paper May 2011

52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance Oct 2018

52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance Aug 2020

52.204-19 Incorporation by Reference of Representations and Certifications Dec 2014

52.204-21 Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems Nov 2021

52.204-23 Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Nov 2021 Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities

52.204-25 Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Nov 2021 Surveillance Services or Equipment

52.209-9 Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Oct 2018 Matters

52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions -Commercial Products and Commercial Mar 2023 Services

52.227-17 Rights In Data -Special Works Dec 2007

52.232-7 Payments under Time-and-Materials and Labor-Hour Contracts Nov 2021

52.232-9 Limitation on Withholding of Payments Apr 1984

52.232-17 Interest May 2014

52.232-23 Assignment of Claims May 2014

52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations Jun 2013

52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors Mar 2023

52.233-1 Disputes May 2014

52.233-3 Protest After Award Aug 1996

52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim Oct 2004

52.242-13 Bankruptcy Jul 1995

52.243-3 Changes Time-and-Materials or Labor-Hours Sep 2000

52.243-7 Notification of Changes Jan 2017 52.245-1 Government Property Sep 2021 http://www.acquisition.gov/

52.245-9 Use and Charges Apr 2012

52.246-6 Inspection Time-and-Material and Labor-Hour May 2001

52.246-25 Limitation of Liability -Services Feb 1997

52.247-17 Charges Apr 1984

52.249-6 Termination (Cost-Reimbursement) May 2004 Alternate IV Sep 1996

52.249-14 Excusable Delays Apr 1984

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference Feb 1998

52.252-4 Alterations in Contract Apr 1984

1252.201-70 Contracting Officer’s Representative Nov 2022 1252.239-91 Records Management Nov 2022

52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statues or Executive Orders -

Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Jun 2023)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

(1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017)

(section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015

(Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(2) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by

Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Nov 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(3) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or

Equipment. (Nov 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(4) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Nov 2015).

(5) 52.232-40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) ( 31 U.S.C. 3903 and 10 U.S.C. 3801).

(6) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (Aug 1996) ( 31 U.S.C. 3553).

(7) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004) (Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 ( 19

U.S.C. 3805 note)).

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

_X_ (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Jun 2020), with Alternate I (Nov

2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 4655).

_X_ (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 3509)).

(3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Jun

2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and

Reinvestment Act of 2009.)

_X_ (4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Jun 2020) (Pub. L.

109-282) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

(5) [Reserved].

___ (6) 52.204-14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (Oct 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div.

C).

(7) 52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (Oct 2016) (Pub.

L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

_X (8) 52.204.27, Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application (Jun 2023) (Section 102 of Division R of

Pub.L.117-328).

_X_ (9) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (Nov 2021) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

_X_ (10) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018) (

41 U.S.C. 2313).

(11) [Reserved].

(12) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (Oct 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 657a).

(13) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) ( 15 U.S.C. 657a).

(14) [Reserved]

_X_ (15) (i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2020) ( 15 U.S.C. 644).

(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-6.

(16) (i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2020) ( 15 U.S.C. 644).

(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-7.

_X_ (17) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)).

(18) (i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Oct 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).

(ii) Alternate I (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9.

(iii) Alternate II (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9.

(iv) Alternate III (Jun 2020) of 52.219-9.

(v) Alternate IV (Sep 2021) of 52.219-9.

(19) (i) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (Mar 2020) ( 15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-13.

_X_ (20) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (Oct 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 637s).

(21) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan (Sep 2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

(22) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (Oct 2022) ( 15

U.S.C. 657f).

_X_ (23) (i) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (Mar 2023)( 15 U.S.C.

632(a)(2)).

(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-28.

(24) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Economically Disadvantaged Women-

Owned Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

(25) 52.219-30, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Women-Owned Small Business Concerns

Eligible Under the Women-Owned Small Business Program (Oct 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

(26) 52.219-32, Orders Issued Directly Under Small Business Reserves (Mar 2020) ( 15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

(27) 52.219-33, Nonmanufacturer Rule (Sep 2021) ( 15U.S.C. 637(a)(17)).

_X_ (28) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (Jun 2003) (E.O.11755).

(29) 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Dec 2022) (E.O.13126).

_X_ (30) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).

_X_ (31) (i) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sep 2016) (E.O.11246).

(ii) Alternate I (Feb 1999) of 52.222-26.

_X_ (32) (i) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Jun 2020) ( 38 U.S.C. 4212).

(ii) Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-35.

_X_ (33) (i) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jun 2020) ( 29 U.S.C. 793).

(ii) Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-36.

_X_ (34) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (Jun 2020) ( 38 U.S.C. 4212).

_X_ (35) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010)

(E.O. 13496).

_X_ (36) (i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2021) ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2015) of 52.222-50 ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

_X_ (37) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (May 2022) (Executive Order 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial products or commercial services as prescribed in FAR 22.1803.)

(38) (i) 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA–Designated Items (May

2008) ( 42 U.S.C. 6962(c)(3)(A)(ii)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

(ii) Alternate I (May 2008) of 52.223-9 ( 42 U.S.C. 6962(i)(2)(C)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

_X_ (39) 52.223-11, Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons

(Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).

(40) 52.223-12, Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners

(Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).

(41) (i) 52.223-13, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Imaging Equipment (Jun 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and

13514).

(ii) Alternate I (Oct 2015) of 52.223-13.

(42) (i) 52.223-14, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Televisions (Jun 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

(ii) Alternate I (Jun2014) of 52.223-14.

(43) 52.223-15, Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products (May 2020) ( 42 U.S.C. 8259b).

(44) (i) 52.223-16, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Personal Computer Products (Oct 2015) (E.O.s

13423 and 13514).

(ii) Alternate I (Jun 2014) of 52.223-16.

(45) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (Jun 2020) (E.O.

13513).

(46) 52.223-20, Aerosols (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).

(47) 52.223-21, Foams (Jun2016) (E.O. 13693).

(48) (i) 52.224-3 Privacy Training (Jan 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552 a).

(ii) Alternate I (Jan 2017) of 52.224-3.

(49) (i) 52.225-1, Buy American-Supplies (Oct 2022) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 83).

(ii) Alternate I (Oct 2022) of 52.225-1.

(50) (i) 52.225-3, Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act (Dec 2022) ( 19 U.S.C. 3301 note, 19 U.S.C. 2112 note, 19 U.S.C. 3805 note, 19 U.S.C. 4001 note, 19 U.S.C. chapter 29 (sections 4501-

4732), Public Law 103-182, 108-77, 108-78, 108-286, 108-302, 109-53, 109-169, 109-283, 110-138, 112-41, 112-42, and 112-43.

(ii) Alternate I [Reserved].

(iii) Alternate II (Dec 2022) of 52.225-3.

(iv) Alternate III (Jan 2021) of 52.225-3.

(v) Alternate IV (Oct 2022) of 52.225-3.

(51) 52.225-5, Trade Agreements (Dec 2022) ( 19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note).

_X_ (52) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (Feb 2021) (E.O.’s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).

(53) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016)

(Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. Subtitle

A, Part V, Subpart G Note).

(54) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov 2007) ( 42 U.S.C. 5150).

(55) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Nov2007) ( 42 U.S.C.

5150).

(56) 52.229-12, Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements (Feb 2021).

(57) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov

2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 3805).

(58) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) ( 41

U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 3805).

_X_ (59) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management (Oct2018) ( 31

U.S.C. 3332).

(60) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Other than System for Award Management (Jul

2013) ( 31 U.S.C. 3332).

(61) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (May 2014) ( 31 U.S.C. 3332).

(62) 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (Aug 1996) ( 5 U.S.C. 552a).

(63) 52.242-5, Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Jan 2017) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(13)).

(64) (i) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Nov 2021) ( 46 U.S.C.

55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631).

(ii) Alternate I (Apr 2003) of 52.247-64.

(iii) Alternate II (Nov 2021) of 52.247-64.

(c) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (c), applicable to commercial services, that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

__ (1) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter67).

__ (2) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014) ( 29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C.

chapter 67).

(3) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (Multiple

Year and Option Contracts) (Aug 2018) ( 29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ (4) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (May

2014) ( 29U.S.C.206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(5) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for

Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

X (6) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for

Certain Services-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ (7) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (Jan 2022).

__ (8) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022) (E.O. 13706).

(9) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (Jun 2020) ( 42 U.S.C. 1792).

(d) Comptroller General Examination of Record. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of this paragraph (d) if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid, is in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, as defined in FAR 2.101, on the date of award of this contract, and does not contain the clause at

52.215-2, Audit and Records-Negotiation.

(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 subpart 4.7, Contractor Records Retention, of the 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 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.

(e) (1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this clause, the

Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause, other than those in this paragraph (e)(1), in a subcontract for commercial products or commercial services. Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause-

(i) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 3509).

(ii) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017)

(section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015

(Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(iii) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by

Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Nov 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(iv) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or

Equipment. (Nov 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(v) 52.204-27, Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application (Jun 2023) (Section 102 of Division R of

Pub.L. 117-328).

(vi) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)), in all subcontracts that offer further subcontracting opportunities. If the subcontract (except subcontracts to small business concerns) exceeds the applicable threshold specified in FAR 19.702(a) on the date of subcontract award, the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities.

(vii) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).

(viii) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sep 2015) (E.O.11246).

(ix) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Jun 2020) ( 38 U.S.C. 4212).

(x) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jun 2020) ( 29 U.S.C. 793).

(xi) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (Jun 2020) ( 38 U.S.C. 4212).

(xii) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O.

13496). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (f) of FAR clause 52.222-40.

(xiii) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xiv) (A) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2021) ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O 13627).

(B) Alternate I (Mar 2015) of 52.222-50 ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

(xv) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for

Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xvi) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain

Services-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xvii) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (May 2022) (E.O. 12989).

(xviii) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (Jan 2022).

(xix) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022) (E.O. 13706).

(xx) (A) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (Jan 2017) ( 5 U.S.C. 552a).

(B) Alternate I (Jan 2017) of 52.224-3.

(xxi) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016)

(Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. Subtitle

A, Part V, Subpart G Note).

(xxii) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (Jun 2020) ( 42 U.S.C. 1792).

Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6.

(xxiii) 52.232-40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) ( 31 U.S.C.

3903 and 10 U.S.C. 3801). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (c) of 52.232-40.

(xxiv) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Nov 2021) ( 46 U.S.C.

55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (d) of FAR clause 52.247-64.

(2) While not required, the Contractor may include in its subcontracts for commercial products and commercial services a minimal number of additional clauses necessary to satisfy its contractual obligations.

52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999)

The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 7 days of the contract end date.

52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor before the contract end date; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 7 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed

36 months.

52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014)

In compliance with the Service Contract Labor Standards statute and the regulations of the Secretary of Labor (

29 CFR Part 4), this clause identifies the classes of service employees expected to be employed under the contract and states the wages and fringe benefits payable to each if they were employed by the contracting agency subject to the provisions of 5 U.S.C.5341 or 5 332.

This Statement is for Information Only: It is not a Wage Determination

Employee Class Monetary Wage‐Fringe Benefits Technical Writer ‐GS 12 $45.14

Graphic Designer ‐GS 12 $45.14

AV Specialist II ‐GS 10 $34.27

Jr. Analyst ‐GS 9 $31.12

Health & Welfare: $4.98 per hour, up to 40 hours per week, or $199.10 per week or $863.20 per month

1252.237-73 Key Personnel (Nov 2022)

(a) The personnel as specified below are considered essential to the work being performed under this contract and may, with the consent of the contracting parities, be changed during the course of the contract by adding or deleting personnel, as appropriate.

(b) Before removing, replacing, or diverting any of the specified individuals, the Contractor shall notify the contracting officer, in writing, before the change becomes effective. The Contractor shall submit information to support the proposed action to enable the Contracting Officer to evaluate the potential impact of the change on the contract. The Contractor shall not remove or replace personnel under this contract until the Contracting

Officer approves the changes in writing. The key personnel under this contract are:

Program Manager

Sr. Graphic Designer

Communications Strategist

1252.239-84 Media Transport (Nov 2022)

(a) The Contractor shall document activities associated with the transport of DOT information stored on digital and non-digital media and employ cryptographic mechanisms to protect the confidentiality and integrity of this information during transport outside of controlled areas. This applies to-

(1) Digital media containing DOT or other Federal agency or other sensitive or third-party provided information that requires protection must be encrypted using FIPS 140-2 Level 4 when transported outside of controlled areas: and

(2) Nondigital media must be secured using the same policies and procedures as paper.

(b) Contactors shall ensure accountability for media containing DOT or other Federal agency or other sensitive or third-party provided information that is transported outside of controlled areas. This can be accomplished through appropriate actions such as logging and a documented chain of custody form.

(c) DOT or other Federal agency sensitive or third-party provided information that resides on mobile/portable devices (e.g., USB flash drives, external hard drives, and SD cards) must be encrypted using FIPS 140-2 Level

4. All Federal agency data residing on laptop computing devices must be protected with NIST-approved encryption software.

PLACE OF ACCEPTANCE

(a) The Contracting Officer or the duly authorized representative will accept supplies and services to be provided under this contract.

(b) The place of acceptance will be:

Dept of Transportation

Great Lakes St Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS)

1200 New Jersey Ave SE

Washington, DC 20590

CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE

(a) Kevin O’Malley is hereby designated as the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). The COR may be changed at any time by the Government without prior notice to the contractor by a unilateral modification to the contract. The COR is located at:

Department of Transportation

Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS)

1200 New Jersey Ave SE

Washington, DC 20590

Phone Number: 202-366-8982

E-mail: kevin.o’malley@dot.gov

(b) The responsibilities and limitations of the COR are as follows:

(1) The COR is responsible for the technical aspects of the contract and serves as technical liaison with the contractor. The COR is also responsible for the final inspection and acceptance of all deliverables and such other responsibilities as may be specified in the contract.

(2) The COR is not authorized to make any commitments or otherwise obligate the Government or authorize any changes which affect the contract price, terms or conditions. Any contractor request for changes shall be referred to the Contracting Officer directly or through the COR. No such changes shall be made without the express written prior authorization of the Contracting Officer. assistant/alternate(s) in writing and transmitting a copy of such designation to the contractor.

SUBMITTAL OF INVOICES

The Contractor shall submit an original invoice to:

GLS Finance Department

Attention: Sondra LaRose

Email: sls.finance@dot.gov

Invoices shall be prepared as follows:

(a) A separate invoice shall be submitted for each billing period under this contract.

(b) Invoices shall be submitted within 10 days after delivery or performance of work, but not more frequently than monthly

(c) Include the invoice and supporting documents as an attached PDF document.

(d) Include in the e‐mail subject line the following:

(i) Invoice #

(ii) Contract Number

(iii) Name of your Company/Organization

(iv) Attention: Sondra LaRose

(v) Example: Invoice No. 1 of Contract No. 6923G523F0035 ABC Corporation, Attention: Jimmy Dear

(e) Documentation shall include:

(i) Name and address of the Contractor.

(ii) Invoice number and invoice date

(iii) Contract number and title.

(iv) Period of work billed.

(v) Amount billed by CLIN under the contract

(vi) Hours expended per individual under the Task Order (for Time and Material/Labor Hour Task Orders)

(vii) Total amount of billing and cumulative total billed for all work under the contract to date.

(viii) Name and address of the individual to whom payment should be sent.

(ix) Name, title, phone number, and mailing address of person to be contacted in the event of a defective invoice.

(x) Name of the Contracting Officer.

mailto:malley@dot.gov mailto:sls.finance@dot.gov

SECTION III -LIST OF ATTACHMENTS AND EXHIBITS

Attachment Description

A Performance Work Statement_Rev1

B Pricing Sheet_Rev1

C Wage Determination 2015-4281 Rev No. 27

SECTION IV -PROVISIONS

PROVISIONS INCORPORTED BY REFERENCE

This contract incorporates one or more provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this address: https://www.acquisition.gov.

CLAUSES TITLE DATE

52.203-11 Certain and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Sep 2007 Transactions

52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Jan 2017 Confidentiality Agreements or Statements -Representation

52.204-7 System for Award Management Oct 2018

52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting Aug 2020

52.204-22 Alternative Line Item Proposal Jan 2017

52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Nov 2021 Surveillance Services or Equipment

52.209-2 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations- Nov 2015 Representation

52.209-7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters Oct 2018

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors -Commercial Products and Commercial Services Mar 2023

52.225-25 Prohibition on Contracting With Entities Engaging in Certain Activities Jun 2020

52.204-17 or Transactions Relating to Iran -Representations and Certifications

Ownership or Control of Offeror (Aug 2020)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision –

Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code means –

(1) An identifier assigned to entities located in the United States or its outlying areas by the Defense Logistics

Agency (DLA) Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Branch to identify a commercial or government entity by unique location; or

(2) An identifier assigned by a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or by the NATO

Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to entities located outside the United States and its outlying areas that the DLA Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Branch records and maintains in the CAGE master file. This type of code is known as a NATO CAGE (NCAGE) code.

Highest-level owner means the entity that owns or controls an immediate owner of the offeror, or that owns or controls one or more entities that control an immediate owners of the offeror. No entity owns or exercises control of the highest level owner.

Immediate owner means an entity, other than the offeror, that has direct control of the offeror. Indicators of control include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: ownership or interlocking management, identity of interests among family members, shared facilities and equipment, and the common use of employees.

(b) The Offeror represents that it □ has or □ does not have an immediate owner. If the Offeror has more than one immediate owner (such as a joint venture), then the Offeror shall respond to paragraph (c) and if applicable, paragraph (d) of this provision for each participant in the joint venture.

(c) If the Offeror indicates “has” in paragraph (b) of this provision, enter the following information:

Immediate owner CAGE code:

Immediate owner legal name:

(Do not use a “doing business as” name)

Is the immediate owner owned or controlled by another entity? □ Yes or □ No.

(d) If the Offeror indicates “yes” in paragraph (c) of this provision, indicating that the immediate owner is owned by another entity, then enter the following information:

Highest-level owner CAGE code:

Highest-level legal name:

(Do not use a “doing business as” name)

(End of Provision)

52.204-20 Predecessor of Offeror (Aug 2020)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision –

Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code means –

(1) An identified assigned to entities located in the United States or its outlying areas by the Defense logistics Agency (DLA) Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Branch to identify a commercial or government entity by unique location; or

(2) An identifier assigned by a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or by the NATO

Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to entities located outside the United States and its outlying areas that the DLA Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Branch records and maintains in the CAGE master file. This type of code is known as a NATO CAGE (NCAGE) code.

Predecessor means an entity that is replaced by a successor and includes any predecessors of the predecessor.

Successor means an entity that has replaced a predecessor by acquiring the assets and carrying out the affairs of the predecessor under a new name (often through acquisition or merger). The term “successor” does not include new offices/divisions of the same company or a company that only changes its name. The extent of the responsibility of the successor for the liabilities of the predecessor may vary, depending on State laws and specific circumstances.

(b) The Offeror represents that it □ is or □ is not a successor to a predecessor that held a Federal contract or grant within the last three years.

(c) If the Offeror has indicated “is” in paragraph (b) of this provision, enter the following information for all predecessors that held a Federal contract or grant within the last three years (if more than one predecessor, list in reverse chronological order):

Predecessor CAGE code: (or mark “Unknown”).

Predecessor legal name: .

(Do not use a “doing business as” name).

52.209-5 Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters (Aug 2020)

(a) (1) The Offeror certifies, to the best of its knowledge and belief, that –

(i) The Offeror and/or any of its Principals –

(A) Are □ are not □ presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, or declared ineligible for the award of contracts by any Federal agency;

(B) Have □ have not □, within a three-year period preceding this offer, been convicted of or had a civil judgement rendered against them for: commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (Federal, State or local) contract or subcontract; violation of

Federal or State antitrust statutes relating to the submission of offers; or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, tax evasion, violating Federal criminal tax laws, or receiving stolen property (if offeror checks “have”, the offeror shall also see 52.209-7, if included in this solicitation);

(C) Are □ are not □ presently indicted for, or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a government entity with, commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(B) of this provision;

(D) Have □, have not □, within a three-year period preceding this offer, been notified of any delinquent

Federal taxes in an amount that exceeds the threshold at 9.104-5(a)(2) for which the liability remains unsatisfied.

(1) Federal taxes are considered delinquent if both of the following criteria apply:

(i) The tax liability is finally determined. The liability is finally determined if it has been assessed. A liability is not finally determined if there is a pending administrative or judicial challenge. In the case of a judicial challenge to the liability, the liability is not finally determined until all judicial appeal rights have been exhausted.

(ii) The taxpayer is delinquent in making payment. A taxpayer is delinquent if the taxpayer has failed to pay the tax liability when full payment was due and required. A taxpayer is not delinquent in cases where enforced collection action is precluded.

(2) Examples.

(i) The taxpayer has received a statutory notice of deficiency, under I.R.C. § 6212, which entitles the taxpayer to seek Tax Court review of a proposed tax deficiency. This is not a delinquent tax because it is not a final tax liability. Should the taxpayer seek Tax Court Review, this will not be a final tax liability until the taxpayer has exercised all judicial appeal rights.

(ii) The IRS has filed a notice of Federal tax lien with respect to an assessed tax liability, and the taxpayer has been issued a notice under I.R.C. § 6320 entitling the taxpayer to request a hearing with the

IRS Office of Appeals contesting the lien filing, and to further appeal to the Tax Court if the IRS determines to sustain the lien filing. In the course of the hearing, the taxpayer is entitled to contest the underlying tax liability because the taxpayer has had no prior opportunity to contest the liability. This is not a delinquent tax because it is not a final tax liability. Should the taxpayer seek tax court review, this will not be final tax liability until the taxpayer has exercised all judicial appeal rights.

(iii) The taxpayer has entered into an installment agreement pursuant to I.R.C. § 6159. The taxpayer is making timely payments and is in full compliance with the agreement terms. The taxpayer is not delinquent because the taxpayer is not currently required to make full payment.

(iv) The taxpayer has filed for bankruptcy protection. The taxpayer is not delinquent because enforced collection action is stayed under 11 U.S.C. 362 (the Bankruptcy Code).

(ii) The Offeror has □ has not □, within a three-year period preceding this offer, had one or more contracts terminated for default by any Federal agency.

(2) “Principal”, for the purposes of this certification, means an officer, director, owner, partner, or a person having primary management or supervisory responsibilities within a business entity (e.g., general manager; plant manager; head of a division or business segment; and similar positions).

This Certification Concerns a Matter Within the Jurisdiction of an Agency of the United States and the

Making of a False, Fictitious, or Fraudulent Certification May Render the Maker Subject to Prosecution Under

Section 1001, Title 18, United States Code.

(b) The Offeror shall provide immediate written notice to the Contracting Officer if, at any time prior to contract award, the Offeror learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.

(c) A certification that any of the items in paragraph (a) of this provision exists will not necessarily result in withholding of an award under this solicitation. However, the certification will be considered in connection with a determination of the Offeror’s responsibility. Failure of the Offeror to furnish a certification or provide such additional information as requested by the Contracting Officer may render the Offeror nonresponsible.

(d) Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render, in good faith, the certification required by paragraph (a) of this provision. The knowledge and information of an Offeror is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.

(e) The certification in paragraph (a) of this provision is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when making award. If it is later determined that the Offeror knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the Government, the Contracting Officer may terminate the contract resulting from this solicitation for default.

52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony

Conviction under any Federal Law (Feb 2016)

(a) As required by sections 744 and 745 of Division E of the Consolidated and Further Continuing

Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235), and similar provisions, if contained in subsequent appropriations acts, the Government will not enter into a contract with any corporation that –

(1) Has any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, where the awarding agency is aware of the unpaid tax liability, unless an agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and made a determination that suspension or debarment is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government.

(2) Was convicted of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within the preceding 24 months, where the awarding agency is aware of the conviction, unless an agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and made a determination that this action is not necessary to protect the interests of the

Government.

(b) The Offeror represents that –

(1) It is □ is not □ a corporation that has any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability; and

(2) It is □ is not □ a corporation that was convicted of a felony criminal violation under a Federal law within the preceding 24 months.

52.216-1 Type of Contract (Apr 1984)

The Government anticipates awarding a Time and Materials contract resulting from this solicitation.

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. 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 address:

https://www.acquisition.gov

INDUSTRY DAY

a) A Post-Solicitation is scheduled for August 2, 2023, at 9:00 am EST. Offerors must register to attend.

(b) Register no later than July 31, 2023, 2:00 PM EST.

(c) Register via email to: chora.snyder@dot.gov.

(d) Registrants will receive an emailed invitation for attendance.

COMMUNICATIONS AND QUESTIONS

Communications shall be conducted electronically by e-mail to Purchasing@dot.gov.

The due date for communications and questions concerning this solicitation is 2:00 PM EST on Monday, August 7, 2023. Questions received after the cut-off date will generally not be considered.

Any information given to one Offeror concerning this requirement will be furnished at the same time to other prospective Offeror(s), if that information is necessary in submitting offers, or if lack of it would be prejudicial to the other prospective Offeror(s).

PROPOSAL ORGANIZATION

In response to this RFQ, the Offeror shall prepare a detailed proposal meeting all stated requirements and comply with the following limitations and characteristics:

• Do not include marketing materials

• Submission shall be provided in electronic format

• Arial size 11 font or Times New Roman 12 font shall be used

• Offers shall submitted in a format readable by Microsoft (MS) Word 2007, MS Excel 2007, or in text searchable PDF format, as applicable.

Required Documents:

Each quoter shall furnish the information required by the solicitation, which includes:

1. Cover letter with quoter’s address and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

2. Statement of Acknowledgement that offeror holds an active registration at https://www.sam.gov.

3. Offeror’s Technical Response: to include the Offeror’s Management Plan and Quality Control Plan

4. Offeror’s Past Performance Response

5. Attachment B -Section B Pricing Sheet

6. Completed FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications -Commercial Items.

Proposal materials shall be organized as follows: Section 1 Technical Proposal, Section 2 Past Performance and

Section 3 Price Proposal. All Sections are to be clearly separated from the other (i.e., page break, blank page divider, separate electronic files, etc.). Each Offeror shall provide all price information only in the Price

Proposal. The Technical Proposal shall not contain any price information.

To be acceptable, the proposal must meet all the requirements set forth in the Performance Work Statement

(PWS).

**The Technical Proposal shall not contain any price information.

mailto:chora.snyder@dot.gov mailto:Purchasing@dot.gov.

http://www.sam.gov/

Factor 1: Technical Proposal -Limit 20 pages

The technical proposal is limited to 20 pages that includes all pages including cover page, table of contents, indexes, etc. unless otherwise specified in this solicitation.

This volume addresses the technical aspects of the requirement. It shall indicate the firm’s capabilities and the means used to satisfy the requirements stated in the attached Performance Work Statement. Reference the PWS for specifics of the Government’s requirements for this service.

1. The offeror shall provide a technical approach that demonstrates the offeror’s ability to provide public relations, outreach support and marketing services in accordance with the requirements identified in the

PWS, Attachment A.

2. The offeror shall provide a management plan to include qualifications and resumes.

3. The offeror shall provide a quality control plan that demonstrates the offeror’s ability to successfully complete the Performance Work Statement (PWS requirements).

Factor 2: Past Performance -Limit 3 Pages

Offerors shall submit at least three (3) past performance references of contracts accomplished within the last three years that are of a similar scope and complexity. The references shall include the following information:

• Award Amount

• Brief description of the work and relevance to this solicitation

• Contract Type (i.e., Firm Fixed Price, Time and Materials, etc.)

• Final contract amount to include a statement as to whether there was a contract under / overrun, as applicable

• Customer Technical Point of Contact (name, email address, and phone number)

• Customer Contractual Point of Contact (name, email address, and phone number)

Factor 3: Price

Offerors shall provide a time and materials proposal in accordance with the Performance Work Statement.

Offerors shall submit the pricing proposal on Attachment B -Pricing Sheet. Sufficient back-up detail shall be included to detail the labor categories, to include a cross walk for an offeror’s equivalent labor categories. All price rates shall be fully burdened.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

The Government will select the Offeror whose solution represents the best value to the Government, considering both price and non-price factors.

An award will be made based on a best value trade-off. The Technical Factor is more important than the Past

Performance Factor and when the two are combined, they are more important than Price.

The following factors will be used to evaluate proposals:

Factor 1: Technical

The Offeror’s approach to performing the requirements and its capability to successfully perform the technical aspects of the contract will be evaluated. Proposals will be evaluated as follows:

1.