BAA 70Z023R27BAAGLCOE.pdf

United States Coast Guard Great Lakes Center of Expertise

FY27 Research and Development

Freshwater Oil Spill Preparedness, Response, and Science

Broad Agency Announcement

Solicitation No. 70Z023R27BAAGLCOE

Table of Contents 1 General Information

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Program Information

1.3 Program Background

1.4 Program History

1.5 Program Functional Mandate

1.6 Current Research Topics

2 Research Opportunity Description

2.1 General Information

2.2 Description

2.3 Specific Tasks

2.4 Due Dates

2.5 Eligibility Information

3 Award Information

3.1 Funding

3.2 Award Format

3.3 Cost Sharing and Matching

3.4 Data Rights

3.5 Anticipated Period of Performance

3.6 No Cost Time Extensions

4 Proposal Submission

4.1 Required Documents

4.2 Formatting

4.4 Technical Proposal Composition

4.5 Cost Breakdown Composition

4.6 Extraneous Information

4.7 Restrictive Marking

4.8 Handling and Emailing Instructions

5 Submission Review and Selection

5.1 Submission Review Process

5.2 Award Notices

5.3 Anticipated Award Date

5.4 Further Assistance Needed for this BAA

6 Attachments

1 General Information

1.1 Introduction

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) Great Lakes Oil Spill Center of Expertise is announcing to business and academia its intent to solicit Research and Development (R&D) proposals under this Broad Agency Announcement (BAA).

This document supports a BAA as contemplated under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 35.016(d) and (e). Contracts and/or Agreements based on responses to this BAA are the result of full and open competition and in full compliance with the provisions of Public Law (PL) 98-369, “The Competition in Contracting Act of 1984.”

This announcement does not constitute a solicitation or a promise of a solicitation in the future. This announcement does not commit the Government to any contractual agreements or arrangements.

No entitlement or payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the USCG will arise because of submission of responses to this announcement and USCG use of such information.

USCG reserves the right to select for award and fund all, some, or none of the submissions received in response to this BAA. USCG will not provide funding or reimbursement for proposal development costs. Full submissions or any other material submitted in response to this BAA will not be returned. All submissions shall be unclassified.

USCG reserves the right to use this announcement, and responses received as part of market research efforts and may appropriately use other FAR parts to procure services.

1.2 Program Information

Agency Name: United States Coast Gurd (USCG) Program Name: Great Lakes Oil Spill Center of Expertise (GLCOE)

1.3 Program Background

The Great Lakes region, under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes District, is a uniquely challenging environment for oil-spill preparedness and response.

With the environmental and economic importance of the Great Lakes region, Congress mandated that the U.S. Coast Guard must establish the Great Lakes Oil Spill Center of Expertise (GLCOE).

Oil spills threaten the water quality and ecosystems of the Great Lakes. Vessels, pipelines, rail, and nearshore facilities cause most of the spills in the region. Although most spills on the lakes are less than 10 gallons, the oil cannot always be eliminated quickly and completely enough to avoid impairment of natural ecosystems, drinking water, and particular industries, such as commercial fishing. Moreover, although technologies exist to mitigate damage from oil spills, most of these have been developed for saltwater environments; less progress has been made on improving methods of containment and removal in freshwater and ice conditions, which differ in density, water-circulation patterns, and ecosystems from those found in saltwater.

The GLCOE’s purpose is to operationalize innovative ideas that improve freshwater and ice-affected water oil spill responses. The GLCOE is an independent, non-operational body with a legislative mandate to conduct research in the domain of oil spill response.

1.4 Program History

In 2018, Congress required that the Coast Guard prepare “assessment results regarding the effectiveness of oil spill response activities specific to the Great Lakes”. That report, which the Coast Guard delivered to Congress in November 2018, informed Section 807 of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-282). The act directed the establishment of the Great Lakes Oil Spill Center of Expertise. Below highlights many of the significant events in the development and establishment of the

GLCOE:

a. 2016 – Congress required Coast Guard to prepare an oil spill response assessment in the Great Lakes.

b. 2018 – The report from the Coast Guard to Congress informed Section 807 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018, directing the establishment of GLCOE.

c. 2018 – Senator Gary Peters (Michigan) secured $4.5M for the Great Lakes Center of Expertise initiative.

d. 2020 – Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center made recommendations for short/long-term progress and logistics, including staffing positions, partnerships, and site locations.

e. 2023 – Released first Broad Agency Announcement.

1.5 Program Functional Mandate

Per Section 807 of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 (Pub. L.

115-282), the Great Lakes Oil Spill Center of Expertise shall:

1. Monitor and assess, on an ongoing basis, the current state of knowledge regarding freshwater oil response technologies and the behavior and effects of oil spills in the Great Lakes.

2. Identify any specific gaps in the Great Lakes Oil spill research, including as assessment of major scientific or technological deficiencies in responses to past spills in the Great Lakes and other freshwater bodies, and seek to fill those gaps.

3. Conduct research, development, testing, and evaluation for freshwater oil spill response equipment, technologies, and techniques to mitigate and respond to oil spills in the Great Lakes.

4. Educate and train Federal, State, and Local first responders in Coast Guard District 9 in –

• The incident command system structure

• Great Lakes oil spill response techniques and strategies, and

• Public affairs

5. Work with academic and private sector response training response centers to develop and standardize oil spill response training and techniques for use in the Great Lakes.

1.6 Current Research Topics

For FY27, the GLCOE is interested in funding project proposal(s) related to the following themes:

Theme 1: Freshwater Oil Spill Preparedness

• Detection of Submerged Oil (non-floating or weathered)

• Modeling Oil Fate & Behavior

• In Situ Oil Sensors

• Other Freshwater Oil Spill Preparedness Topics

Theme 2: Freshwater Oil Spill Response

• Uncrewed Underwater Systems & Sensors

• Cold Weather Response Technology & Equipment

• Modernize Response Equipment & Novel Technologies

• Physical Recovery of Oil

• Other Freshwater Oil Spill Response Topics

Theme 3: Freshwater Alternative Response Measures

• In Situ Burning

• Other Alternative Response Measure Applications in Freshwater Topics

Theme 4: Freshwater Fundamental Oil Spill Science

• Oil Physiochemistry, Toxicity, and Freshwater Data Gaps

• Fundamentals of Oil Sensing

• Impact of Response Options

• Fate, Behavior, and Transport of Oil in the Environment

• Other Fundamental Freshwater Oil Spill Science

2 Research Opportunity Description

2.1 General Information

Agency Name: United States Coast Guard (USCG) Program Name: Great Lakes Oil Spill Center of Expertise (GLCOE) Research Opportunity Title: USCG GLCOE FY27 Research and Development - Freshwater Oil Spill Preparedness, Response, and Science - Broad Agency Announcement

BAA Solicitation Number: 70Z023R27BAAGLCOE NAICS Code: 541715 - Environmental research and development laboratories or services (except biotechnology and nanotechnology research and development) BAA Type: Closed One-Step Announcement Proposal Maximum: $250,000.00 Proposal Package Submission Deadline: 12:00pm EST on Wednesday March 12, 2026

2.2 Description

Proposed projects must align with one of the previously listed themes and focus on advancing spill science or spill response in the context of the Great Lakes, freshwater, or icy environments. Proposals should demonstrate how the work will monitor and assess current knowledge regarding freshwater oil response technologies and the behavior and effects of oil spills in the Great Lakes. Projects may identify and address specific gaps in Great Lakes oil spill research, including scientific or technological deficiencies observed in past spill responses. Additionally, proposals may include research, development, testing, and evaluation of equipment, technologies, or techniques to mitigate and respond to oil spills in freshwater settings. All proposals should clearly articulate their relevance to the GLCOE mandate and their potential impact on improving oil spill response in the region.

2.3 Specific Tasks

Specific tasks are outlined in the Performance Work Statement. A summary is provided below:

Post Award Conference:

Within 14 business days of contract award, the contractor must participate in a teleconference with the Contracting Officer, COR, and GLCOE Project Manager. During this meeting, the contractor will explain how their proposed technology or strategy addresses the solicitation objectives, present milestones and timelines, discuss potential issues, and confirm understanding of all deliverables and deadlines. The contractor must submit a Draft Project Management Plan and Draft Data Management Plan for review at the meeting, and provide meeting minutes within 5 business days afterward.

Project Management Plan:

The contractor must develop a comprehensive Project Management Plan that includes a list of tasks, project schedule, intended results, roles of key personnel, and quality assurance measures (if applicable). The draft plan is due at the Post Award Conference, and the final plan must be submitted within 14 business days after the conference.

Data Management Plan:

A Data Management Plan detailing how project data will be handled, stored, and shared must be submitted in draft form at the Post Award Conference and finalized within 14 business days. All raw data generated must be submitted to GLCOE or an appropriate Federal Data Repository through a Federal collaborator.

Experimentation, Validation, Demonstration, and Other R&D Tasks:

The contractor is responsible for carrying out all research and development activities as outlined in their proposal and as clarified in the Project Management Plan. Activities may include experimentation, validation, demonstration, and technology development. Any changes to the approved tasks must be documented and approved in writing. All R&D deliverables must be submitted before the end of the project period.

Progress Reporting:

The Lead Principal Investigator must meet at least monthly (virtually or in person) with the COR or GLCOE Project Lead to review work performed, technical progress, schedule status, travel, problems, and recommendations. Progress Meeting Minutes must be submitted within 5 business days of each meeting.

Additionally, the Lead PI or other delegated personnel may be invited to present project progress via a virtual platform once a quarter. The GLCOE will provide notification of any virtual quarterly progress meetings at least 30 calendar days prior to the meeting date. The GLCOE will provide draft presentation materials for Contractor review and edits at least 7 business days prior to the meeting date.

Final Reporting:

Before the project concludes, the contractor must submit a 508-compliant Final Report in electronic format, summarizing the project and its outcomes. Additionally, a Deliverables Archive containing all project deliverables in a machine-readable electronic format must be provided.

Annual Collaborative:

The Contractor, or otherwise delegated personnel, must attend the Annual Collaborative that will be hosted by the U.S. Great Lakes Oil Spill Center of Expertise. This will be an in-person event, with hybrid options. The annual collaborative is tentatively scheduled for June 2027.

Travel:

Contractor travel may be required to support this requirement. All travel required by the Government outside the local commuting area(s) will be reimbursed to the Contractor in accordance with FAR 31.205-46, Travel Costs. The Contractor must be responsible for obtaining COR approval (electronic mail is acceptable) for all reimbursable travel in advance of each travel event.

2.4 Due Dates

Proposal packages and questions regarding the submissions must be submitted by the following deadlines:

1. Questions in response to this BAA are due by 12:00 pm EST on February 26, 2026.

Send questions via email to BOTH of the following emails:

a. SMB-GreatLakesCOE@uscg.mil

b. Jesse.L.Womack@uscg.mil

2. Responses to the above-mentioned questions will be provided via an amendment to the BAA posted on SAM.gov. Answers will be posted at least by February 27. 2026

3. Submissions in response to this BAA are due by 12:00pm EST on Tuesday March 12, 2026.

a. See section 4.1 for required for submission documents.

b. See section 4.8 for handling and emailing instructions

2.5 Eligibility Information

Eligibility toward submission pursuant to this BAA is as follows:

• This BAA is open to all responsible sources in accordance with FAR 2.101, which states, “Responsible prospective contractor means a contractor that meets the standards in 9.104.”

• Regarding foreign participation, Foreign Disclosure Review will be accomplished on each full proposal selected for funding; foreign participation may not be allowed.

• Notice to Foreign-Owned Firms: Such firms are asked to immediately notify the Contracting Officer before deciding to respond to this announcement. Foreign contractors should be aware that restrictions might apply which could preclude their participation in this acquisition.

• Offerors cannot submit more than one (1) Technical Proposal per theme.

• You may be ineligible for award if all requirements of this announcement are not met on the Technical Proposal.

mailto:Jesse.L.Womack@uscg.mil

3 Award Information

3.1 Funding

Proposals submitted pursuant to the BAA must be less than or equal to $250,000 to be considered for funding.

USCG/GLCOE has funding available for awards under this announcement. The Government reserves the right to select all, part, or none of the Technical Proposals received, subject to the availability of funds. All potential offerors should be aware that due to unanticipated budget fluctuations, funding in any or all areas may change with little or no notice.

3.2 Award Format

Awards resulting from this announcement will generally take the form of a contract, although the government reserves the right to use the type of contractual agreement deemed most appropriate for the proposed work. Awards under this BAA are expected to be primarily Firm Fixed Prive (FFP) contracts, however, the government reserve the right to pursue other contract types including, but not limited to, Time and Materials, and/or Labor Hours contract.

This is a full and open acquisition. Small businesses (less than 1,000 employees) are encouraged to propose on all or any part of this acquisition. Technical proposals shall be submitted and evaluated in accordance with this announcement.

3.3 Cost Sharing and Matching

Cost sharing is not a requirement. The leveraging of funds is encouraged but not required.

Offerors are encouraged to disclose leveraged resources in their Technical Proposal.

3.4 Data Rights

The offeror shall include a summary of any proprietary rights to pre-existing data related to techniques, prototypes, or systems supporting and/or necessary for the use of the research, results, and/or prototype. Any rights assertions made in other parts of the proposal that would impact the rights in this section shall be cross-referenced. If there are proprietary rights, the offeror shall explain how these rights will impact the USCG’s ability to demonstrate the delivered prototype for the removal or mitigation of released oil and publish the science and results.

Additionally, offerors shall explain how the program goals of the USCG’s response to removing or mitigating the impacts of released oil on the surrounding environment and manmade structures are achievable considering these proprietary and/or restrictive limitations.

Offerors asserting Data Rights shall do so in accordance with the clause in FAR 52.227- 15, “Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software.” The Government anticipates incorporating FAR Clauses 52.227-14, Rights in Data – General (MAY 2014) Alternates II, III, IV and V. If there are no claims of proprietary rights in pre-existing data, this section shall consist of a statement to that effect. Depending on the terms and conditions of the expected contract(s), the above-mentioned data rights clauses may need to be negotiated before award.

3.5 Anticipated Period of Performance

The anticipated period of performance for contracts awarded pursuant to this BAA will be for a period of one year beginning from the date of contract award, unless otherwise negotiated.

Offerors should anticipate the period of performance to start between January-February, unless otherwise negotiated. Please submit project schedules accordingly.

3.6 No Cost Time Extensions

A No-Cost Time Extension (NCTE) generally refers to a one-time extension to the period of performance of an agreement without the need for additional funds. A NCTE is not guaranteed and must be approved by the Contracting Officer (KO). All NCTE requests submitted to the KO for approval shall include Project Manager and COR for awareness.

All requests for NCTE shall be submitted no later than 1 month prior to the end of the period of performance. Failure to submit deliverables beyond the NCTE will constitute a failure to deliver.

4 Proposal Submission

4.1 Required Documents

Separate Technical Proposals are required for each separate theme the offeror is pursuing.

Each Technical Proposal must stand on its own merit. The GLCOE will use only information provided in a Technical Proposal in the evaluation process. All Technical Proposals submitted under this BAA should be UNCLASSIFIED.

Submissions shall consist of the following separate documents:

1. Technical Proposal

2. Cost Breakdown

4.2 Formatting

1. Paper Size: 8.5 in x 11 in

2. Margins: 1 in on each side

3. Font: Times New Roman 12-pt font, to include tables, figures, diagrams, and charts.

Any other information (e.g. footnotes, headers, restrictive markings) shall not be smaller than Times New Roman 8-pt font.

4. Page Limit: Total number of pages shall not exceed 18.

5. File Type: Technical Proposals shall be submitted in PDF format. Documents should be sent without password protection.

6. File Names: Documents shall be saved with the following format, inserting project-specific information in place of the italicized text. File names should be limited to 250 characters.

a. Technical Proposal File Name:

i. “FY27BAA_Technical Proposal_Insert Offeror Name_Insert

Abbreviated Project Title”

b. Detailed Cost Breakdown File Name:

i. “FY27BAA_Cost Breakdown_Insert Offeror Name_Insert Abbreviated Project Title”

4.4 Technical Proposal Composition

Offerors should utilize the Technical Proposal Template provided in this solicitation.

Technical Proposals shall include the following:

1. Cover Page: All Technical Proposals shall begin with a Project Summary page.

Utilize the template provided in this solicitation.

2. Background Context: This section should convey the essential facts and information and include –

a. State of the Science: Provide a summary of the current state of knowledge and define the relationship to the proposed work.

b. Relevance to BAA Themes: Provide a summary on the applicability of the proposed project to the current BAA themes provided in this announcement.

c. Operational Relevance: Provide a description of how the proposed project may advance oil spill response operations.

d. Other Funding: Disclose any funds related to the proposal the offeror has been awarded, has applied for, or expects to apply for.

3. Problem Statement/Project Goals: This section should summarize the main problem that the proposed project will address. The project goals should outline the distinct tasks and milestones to address the main issue of the proposed project.

4. Technical Approach: This section should address the method of how the proposed project will be executed and include –

a. Personnel Description: identify the key personnel involved in the project, their roles, and their time commitment to the proposed project

b. Metrics: outline how progress will be measured throughout the project

c. Approach: Describe the technical, experimental, and/or statistical design/method that will be used to accomplish distinct tasks and milestones

d. Facilities: if applicable, describe the facilities that will be utilized for the proposed project

5. Research Schedule: This section should provide a tentative research schedule and timeline of the distinct tasks and milestones, including the task dependencies, time dependencies, and potential contingency plans. The schedule should include an additional three (3) months after the end of technical performance to provide for preparation and submission of final report and deliverables, review by the GLCOE, and final acceptance by the GLCOE.

6. Deliverables: This section should define and describe the specific deliverables that will be produced during/after the duration of the proposed project. Explain how the specific deliverables will advance the mission of the GLCOE and the BAA theme.

7. References and Citations: This section is highly encouraged but not required.

NOTE: Technical proposals shall not list or discuss total project cost or cost breakdowns.

4.5 Cost Breakdown Composition

Offerors should use the Cost Breakdown template provided with this solicitation.

The detailed cost proposal explains how much money the offeror is requesting to complete the project. The cost proposal section should provide a justification for supporting the numbers provided for each budgeted category. For a collaborative proposal submitted by multiple organizations, each organization must include a separate budget justification. Total Cost shall not exceed $250,000.

Cost categories include:

1. Labor (CLIN0001)

a. Salaries and Wages

• Principal Investigator

• Co-Investigator(s)

• Research Assistant(s)

• Technician(s)

• Other

b. Fringe Benefits

• Health Insurance

• Retirement Contributions

• Other Employee Benefits

2. Travel (CLIN0002)

• Conference Travel

• Fieldwork Travel

• Other Travel

3. Other Direct Costs - ODC (CLIN0003)

a. Materials and Supplies

• Laboratory Supplies

• Field Supplies

• Chemicals and Reagents

• Other Materials and Supplies

b. Equipment

• Laboratory Equipment

• Field Equipment

• Computer Hardware/Software

• Other Equipment

c. Subcontracts

• Collaborating Institution Costs

• Consultant Fees

4. Indirect Costs (CLIN0004)

• Overhead (as per negotiated rate agreement)

• Administrative Support

4.6 Extraneous Information

Information not explicitly requested in this announcement is not desired by the government and shall not be submitted. The government will only read and evaluate the Technical Proposal up to the stated page limit. Pages exceeding the page limitation will not be evaluated.

4.7 Restrictive Marking

If the offeror wishes to restrict their Technical Proposals, they must be marked with the restrictive language stated in FAR 52.215-1(e).

4.8 Handling and Emailing Instructions

Proposals shall be sent electronically per the instructions below:

1. Packages shall be submitted to the following:

Technical Proposals shall be sent electronically to ALL (3) of the following email addresses:

a. Jesse.L.Womack@uscg.mil

b. Bridget.M.Hendrix@uscg.mil

c. Emily.M.Duffey@uscg.mil

1A- Cost Breakdowns shall be sent electronically to the following email addresses:

a. Jesse.L.Womack@uscg.mil

2. Email Subject Lines:

Example:

GLCOE FY27 BAA SUBMISSION [Offeror Name]”

3. Email Bodies:

Email submissions should include in the email body at least the following information:

1. Primary Offeror/Organization Name

2. Principal Investigator Name & Email Address

3. Project Title

4. A description of the attachment included

5 Submission Review and Selection

5.1 Submission Review Process

Submissions will be evaluated as they are received. The evaluation team will independently evaluate each submission for selection or non-selection based on a peer or scientific review process in accordance with FAR 35.016(d) and (e).

Submissions will be evaluated using the following criteria, stated in descending order of importance:

1. Importance to GLCOE functional mandate and to current research themes

2. Scientific and technical merit

3. Funds availability

4. Cost/price realism and reasonableness

Note that while cost/price realism and reasonableness is a criterion for award, it will not be analyzed or evaluated until a proposal is recommended for an award from a technical mailto:Jesse.L.Womack@uscg.mil mailto:Bridget.M.Hendrix@uscg.mil mailto:Emily.M.Duffey@uscg.mil standpoint. No cost/price feedback will be provided for those proposals not recommended for award.

5.2 Award Notices

Offerors who submit successful proposals will be notified in writing if their project is recommended for award. An award recommendation is not to be construed to mean the award of a contract is assured as availability of funds and successful negotiations are prerequisites to any award. This announcement is not an authorization to commence work or to incur any costs to perform the tasks described above.

Offerors who submit proposals that are not selected for funding will be notified in writing via a Notice of Unsuccessful Offerors.

If funds become available after the Notice of Unsuccessful Offerors has been delivered, the Government may on-ramp additional Technical Proposals that were submitted under this BAA announcement.

5.3 Anticipated Award Date

Pending available funds, the anticipated award notice date will be Q1 FY27 (October-

December 2026).

5.4 Further Assistance Needed for this BAA

Questions regarding the submittal and/or review process shall be sent electronically to BOTH the following email addresses:

a. SMB-GreatLakesCOE@uscg.mil

b. Jesse.L.Womack@uscg.mil

Refer to section 4.8 for handling and emailing instructions.

6 Attachments Attachment 1: Performance Work Statement Attachment 2: Technical Proposal Summary Page Template – IRWA Attachment 3: Technical Proposal Summary Page Template – Contract Attachment 4: Cost Breakdown Template Attachment 5: Provisions and Clauses

1. Invoice Submission

In addition to 52.212-4(g):

(a) A request for payment is proper if it includes the items required by the clause at FAR 52.232- 25, Prompt Payment [(a)(3)(i) through (a)(3)(ix)] and those items are accurate. If a request for payment does not include all the items required by the clause at FAR 52.232-25, Prompt Payment, or any information is inaccurate, then the request is not proper and shall be returned to the contractor with a statement of the reason(s) it is not proper.

WHEN TO SUBMIT: The contractor must first:

(1) Receive a fully executed contract

(2) Provide the requirements (products and/or services), and

(3) Have ACTIVE status in the System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov

(4) Electronic Submission of Payment Requests

Definitions. As used in these instructions - (1) "Payment request" means a bill, voucher, invoice, or request for contract/order financing payment with associated supporting documentation. The payment request must: comply with the requirements identified in FAR 32.905(b), "Content of Invoices" and the applicable Payment clause included in this contract/order. In addition, discount offerings and small business status if available shall be stated. If travel was allowable and approved, components in accordance with FAR 31.205-46 shall be provided.

(b) The contractor shall submit payment requests electronically using the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). Information regarding IPP, including IPP Customer Support contact information, is available at www.ipp.gov or any successor site.

(c) Supporting documentation and a copy of the invoice shall also be e-mailed to the Contracting Officer Representative and Contracting Officer at the following:

1. Contracting Officer Representative –LCDR Allison Wrieden, Allision.M.Wrieden@uscg.mil

2. Contracting Officer – Mrs. Brittany L. Jackson, Brittany.L.Jackson@uscg.mil

3. Contract Specialist – Mr. Jesse Womack, Jesse.L.Womack@uscg.mil

The Contractor shall submit an original invoice to include at a minimum, the following information:

(a) Name and address of the Contractor.

(b) Invoice date and number.

(c) Contract number, contract line-item number (CLIN) and delivery order number;

(d) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price and extended price of the items delivered; (e) Terms of any discount for prompt payment offered

RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL(S) WHO CAN RECEIVE THE NOTIFICATION OF AN

IMPROPER INVOICE AND ANSWER QUESTIONS REGARDING THE INVOICE For use in the event your firm receives a contract as a result from the solicitation, designate below the responsible official(s) who can receive notification of an improper invoice and answer questions regarding the invoice.

Name:

Title:

Address:

Telephone No.:

FAR Clauses by Reference

FAR Clause No. Title and Date

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

52.204-7 System for Award Management (NOV 2024)

52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items (Deviation Aug 2025)

52.232-18 Availability of Funds (Apr 1984)

52.243-1 Changes-Fixed-Price Alternate I (JUNE 2025) (DEVIATION 25-09)

52.243-4 Changes (JUNE 2025) (DEVIATION 25-09)

52.249-14 Excusable Delays (Apr 1984)

FAR 52.243-5 Changes and Changed Conditions (Apr 1984)

(End of clause

52.246-4 Inspection of Services-Fixed-Price.(Aug 1996)

(a) Definition. “Services," as used in this clause, includes services performed, workmanship, and material furnished or utilized in the performance of services.

(b) The Contractor shall provide and maintain an inspection system acceptable to the Government covering the services under this contract. Complete records of all inspection work performed by the Contractor shall be maintained and made available to the Government during contract performance and for as long afterwards as the contract requires.

(c) The Government has the right to inspect and test all services called for by the contract, to an extent practicable at all times and places during the term of the contract. The Government shall perform inspections and tests in a manner that will not unduly delay the work.

(d) If the Government performs inspections or tests on the premises of the Contractor or a subcontractor, the Contractor shall furnish, and shall require subcontractors to furnish, at no increase in contract price, all reasonable facilities and assistance for the safe and convenient performance of these duties.

(e) If any of the services do not conform with contract requirements, the Government may require the Contractor to perform the services again in conformity with contract requirements, with no increase in contract amount. When the defects in services cannot be corrected by reperformance, the Government may-

(1) Require the Contractor to take necessary action to ensure that future performance conforms to contract requirements; and

(2) Reduce the contract price to reflect the reduced value of the services performed.

(f) If the Contractor fails to promptly perform the services again or to take the necessary action to ensure future performance in conformity with contract requirements, the Government may-

(1) By contract or otherwise, perform the services and charge to the Contractor any cost incurred by the Government that is directly related to the performance of such service; or

(2) Terminate the contract for default.

(End of clause)

FAR 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 the 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 30 days.

(End of clause)

FAR 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 within 1 day; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend it to at least 30 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 12 months.

(End of clause)

52.212-2 Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov

2021)

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the proposer responsible whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

(i) Technical Capability (Determining Factor)

Technical Capability (Threshold Requirement)

• Minimum Acceptable Standard:

Offerors must meet all technical requirements as specified in the solicitation.

• Go/No-Go Decision:

Proposals that do not meet the minimum technical criteria are eliminated from further consideration, regardless of price.

• No Additional Credit:

Proposals that exceed the minimum technical requirements do not receive additional evaluation credit.

(ii) Price:

• Selection Factor:

Among all technically acceptable proposals, the offer aligned with fair and reasonable competitive pricing combined with the primary factor (Technical capabilities) will be selected for award, unless the Contracting Officer has a competitive environment for technical and price, therefore, will result to best value for the Government.

• Fairness & Reasonableness:

Price must still be determined fair and reasonable but is only considered after technical acceptability is confirmed.

(iii) Past Performance

• Basic Acceptability:

Past performance may be evaluated on a pass/fail basis to ensure the offeror has an adequate record of performance.

• Not a Discriminating Factor:

As long as past performance is acceptable; it does not influence ranking among technically acceptable offers.

Summary Table

Evaluation Factor Relative Importance Order

Technical Capability Threshold Requirement Primary Selection Factor 1

Price/Fairness & Reasonableness 2

Past Performance Pass/Fail 3

While all three factors are critical to the selection process, Technical is weighted most heavily to ensure mission requirements are met along with fair market pricing. The technical capability is to mitigate risk, pricing for fairness, and finally past performance to ensure fiscal responsibility.

(b) 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. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror 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)

FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (May 2024)

The Offeror shall complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the Offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically in the System for Award Management (SAM) accessed through https://www.sam.gov. If the Offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically, the Offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (v) of this provision.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

Covered telecommunications equipment or services has the meaning provided in the clause 52.204- 25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) concern means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States and who are economically disadvantaged in accordance with 13 CFR part 127, and the concern is certified by SBA or an approved third-party certifier in accordance with 13 CFR 127.300. It automatically qualifies as a women-owned small business eligible under the WOSB Program.

Forced or indentured child labor means all work or service—

(1) Exacted from any person under the age of 18 under the menace of any penalty for its nonperformance and for which the worker does not offer himself voluntarily; or

(2) Performed by any person under the age of 18 pursuant to a contract the enforcement of which can be accomplished by process or penalties.

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 owner 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.

Inverted domestic corporation, means a foreign incorporated entity that meets the definition of an inverted domestic corporation under 6 U.S.C. 395(b), applied in accordance with the rules and definitions of 6 U.S.C. 395(c).

Manufactured end product means any end product in product and service codes (PSCs) 1000- 9999, except—

(1) PSC 5510, Lumber and Related Basic Wood Materials;

(2) Product or Service Group (PSG) 87, Agricultural Supplies;

(3) PSG 88, Live Animals;

(4) PSG 89, Subsistence;

(5) PSC 9410, Crude Grades of Plant Materials;

(6) PSC 9430, Miscellaneous Crude Animal Products, Inedible;

(7) PSC 9440, Miscellaneous Crude Agricultural and Forestry Products;

(8) PSC 9610, Ores;

(9) PSC 9620, Minerals, Natural and Synthetic; and

(10) PSC 9630, Additive Metal Materials.

Place of manufacture means the place where an end product is assembled out of components, or otherwise made or processed from raw materials into the finished product that is to be provided to the Government. If a product is disassembled and reassembled, the place of reassembly is not the place of manufacture.

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

Reasonable inquiry has the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

Restricted business operations means business operations in Sudan that include power production activities, mineral extraction activities, oil-related activities, or the production of military equipment, as those terms are defined in the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-174). Restricted business operations do not include business operations that the person (as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007) conducting the business can demonstrate—

(1) Are conducted under contract directly and exclusively with the regional government of southern Sudan;

(2) Are conducted pursuant to specific authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the Department of the Treasury, or are expressly exempted under Federal law from the requirement to be conducted under such authorization;

(3) Consist of providing goods or services to marginalized populations of Sudan;

(4) Consist of providing goods or services to an internationally recognized peacekeeping force or humanitarian organization;

(5) Consist of providing goods or services that are used only to promote health or education;

or

(6) Have been voluntarily suspended. “Sensitive technology"— Sensitive technology—

(1) Means hardware, software, telecommunications equipment, or any other technology that is to be used specifically—

(i) To restrict the free flow of unbiased information in Iran; or

(ii) To disrupt, monitor, or otherwise restrict speech of the people of Iran; and

(2) Does not include information or informational materials the export of which the President does not have the authority to regulate or prohibit pursuant to section 203(b)(3)of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ( 50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(3)).

Service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) concern means a small business concern—

(1) (i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans; and

(i) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service- disabled veterans or, in the case of a service-disabled veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such veteran; or

(2) A small business concern eligible under the SDVOSB Program in accordance with 13 CFR part 128 (see subpart 19.14).

(3) Service-disabled veteran, as used in this definition, means a veteran as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(2), with a disability that is service connected, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(16), and who is registered in the Beneficiary Identification and Records Locator Subsystem, or successor system that is maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Benefits Administration, as a service-disabled veteran.

Service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) concern eligible under the SDVOSB Program means an SDVOSB concern that—

(1) Effective January 1, 2024, is designated in the System for Award Management (SAM) as certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) in accordance with 13 CFR 128.300; or

(2) Has represented that it is an SDVOSB concern in SAM and submitted a complete application for certification to SBA on or before December 31, 2023.

Service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) Program means a program that authorizes contracting officers to limit competition, including award on a sole-source basis, to SDVOSB concerns eligible under the SDVOSB Program.

Small business concern—

(1) Means a concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in its field of operation, and qualified as a small business under the criteria in 13 CFR part 121 and size standards in this solicitation.

(2) Affiliates, as used in this definition, means business concerns, one of whom directly or indirectly controls or has the power to control the others, or a third party or parties control or have the power to control the others. In determining whether affiliation exists, consideration is given to all appropriate factors including common ownership, common management, and contractual relationships. SBA determines affiliation based on the factors set forth at 13 CFR 121.103.

Small, disadvantaged business concern, consistent with 13 CFR 124.1001, means a small business concern under the size standard applicable to the acquisition, that—

(1) Is at least 51 percent unconditionally and directly owned (as defined at 13 CFR 124.105) by—

(i) One or more socially disadvantaged (as defined at13 CFR 124.103) and economically disadvantaged (as defined at 13 CFR 124.104) individuals who are citizens of the United States;

and

(ii) Each individual claiming economic disadvantage has a net worth not exceeding the threshold at 13 CFR 124.104(c)(2) after taking into account the applicable exclusions set forth at 13 CFR124.104(c)(2); and

(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled (as defined at 13.CFR 124.106) by individuals, who meet the criteria in paragraphs (1)(i) and (ii) of this definition.

Subsidiary means an entity in which more than 50 percent of the entity is owned—

(1) Directly by a parent corporation; or

(2) Through another subsidiary of a parent corporation

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 law and specific circumstances.

Veteran-owned small business concern means a small business concern—

(1) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned and controlled by one or more veterans (as defined at 38 U.S.C. 101(2)) or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more veterans; and

(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more veterans.

Women-owned business concern means a concern which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women; or in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of its stock is owned by one or more women; and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women

Women-owned small business concern means a small business concern—

(1) That is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women; or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more women; and

(2) Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.

Women-owned small business (WOSB) concern eligible under the WOSB Program (in accordance with 13 CFR part 127), means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States, and the concern is certified by SBA or an approved third-party certifier in accordance with 13 CFR 127.300.

(b) (1) Annual Representations and Certifications. Any changes provided by the Offeror in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision do not automatically change the representations and certifications in SAM.

(2) The offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically in SAM accessed through http://www.sam.gov. After reviewing SAM information, the Offeror verifies by submission of this offer that the representations and certifications currently posted electronically at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services, have been entered or updated in the last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this solicitation (including the business size standard(s) applicable to the NAICS code(s) referenced for this solicitation), at the time this offer is submitted and are incorporated in this offer by reference (see FAR 4.1201), except for paragraphs .

[Offeror to identify the applicable paragraphs at (c) through (v) of this provision that the offeror has completed for the purposes of this solicitation only, if any.

These amended representations and/or certification(s) are also incorporated in this offer and are current, accurate, and complete as of the date of this offer.

Any changes provided by the offeror are applicable to this solicitation only, and do not result in an update to the representations and certifications posted electronically on SAM.]

(c) Offerors must complete the following representations when the resulting contract is for supplies to be delivered or services to be performed in the United States or its outlying areas, or when the contracting officer has applied part 19 in accordance with 19.000(b)(1)(ii). Check all that apply.

(1) Small business concern. The offeror represents as part of its offer that—

(i) It □ is, □ is not a small business concern; or

(ii) It □ is, □ is not a small business joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 121.103(h) and 13 CFR 125.8(a) and (b). [ The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: .]

(2) Veteran-owned small business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents as part of its offer that it □ is, □ is not a veteran-owned small business concern.

(3) SDVOSB concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a veteran-owned small business concern in paragraph (c)(2) of this provision.] The offeror represents that it □ is, □ is not an SDVOSB concern.

(4) SDVOSB concern joint venture eligible under the SDVOSB Program. The offeror represents that it □ is, □ is not an SDVOSB joint venture eligible under the SDVOSB Program that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 128.402. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as an SDVOSB concern in paragraph (c)(3) of this provision.] [The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: .]

(5)…