A28 Request for Quote.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

DRUG ENFORCEMENT

ADMINISTRATION

International Drug Enforcement Conference (IDEC) in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Translation and Interpretation Services

REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS

RFQD-26-OE-0009

Request for Quotation - Translation and Interpretation Services for IDEC 2026

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice.

This announcement constitutes as the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation number D-26-OE-0009 is being used as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). This will be solicited under NAICS Code 541930 – Translation and Interpretation Services

The is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for Translation and Interpretation Services for IDEC 2026 in Buenos Aires, Argentina . Please see the instructions to offeror and statement of work attached for more details regarding this requirement. This procurement is a 100% Small

Business set-aside. Offerors must have active SAM .gov account at the time of proposal submission and contract award. All quotes shall be on an all or none basis, alternate quotes will not be accepted. All offerors shall submit a complete quotation which will be evaluated based on the criteria listed in offeror’s instruction section. In accordance with FAR Part 13.302-

Purchase Orders the Government intends to issue a single firm fixed price purchase order to the eligible, responsible Offeror based on Best Value to the government. Any questions must be submitted in writing via email to Naomi Collier at Naomi.S.Collier@dea.gov no later than

4/23/2026 at 10:00am EST. No late submissions will be accepted or considered.

Final quotes must be submitted via email by 4/30/2026 at 10:00am EST. Quotes must include pricing and responses to evaluation factors. All submissions (questions and/or quotes) shall be submitted electronically to Naomi.S.Collier@dea.gov with the RFQ number included in the subject line. No late submissions (questions and/or quotes) will be accepted.

mailto:Naomi.S.Collier@dea.gov

REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS This RFQ is is not a Small Business-Small PAGE OF PAGES (THIS IS NOT AN ORDER) Purchase Set Aside 1

3. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NO. 4. CERT. FOR NAT. DEF.

UNDER BDSA REG. 2

AND/OR DMS REG. 1

RATING1. REQUEST NO.

RFQ-D-26-OE-0009

2. DATE ISSUED

4/84/17/2026 D-26-OE-0009

5A. ISSUED BY 6. DELIVER BY (Date)

DEA

Office of Acquisition(FA) 8701 Morrissette Drive Springfield, VA 22152-1080 7. DELIVERY

FOB

DESTINATION OTHER

(See Schedule)5B. FOR INFORMATION CALL: (No collect calls)

NAME TELEPHONE NUMBER 9. DESTINATIONAREA CODE & NUMBER

Naomi.S.Collier@dea.gov

8. TO:

10. PLEASE FURNISH QUOTATIONS TO THE

ISSUING OFFICE IN BLOCK 5A ON OR

BEFORE CLOSE OF BUSINESS (Date)

IMPORTANT: This is a request for information, and quotations furnished are not offers. If you are unable to quote, please so indicate on this form and return it to the address in Block 5A. This request does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of the submission of this quotation or to contract for supplies or services. supplies are of domestic origin unless otherwise indicated by quoter. Any representations and/or certifications attached to this Request for Quotations must be completed by the quoter.

11. SCHEDULE (Include applicable Federal, State, and local taxes)

ITEM NO.

(a)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(b)

QUANTITY

(c)

UNIT

(d)

UNIT PRICE

(e)

AMOUNT

(f)

The is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for Translation and Interpretation Services for IDEC 2026 in Buenos Aires, Argentina as described in the Statement of Work and Term and Conditions. The Government intends to issue a single purchase order in accordance with FAR

13. This procurement is a 100% Small Business set-aside.

Questions shall be submitted via email to Naomi.S.Collier@dea.gov by April 23, 2026 at 10am EST. Final quotes are due April 30, 2026 at 10am EST. No late submissions will be accepted.

GRAND TOTAL

12. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT - -

a. 10 CALENDAR DAYS b. 20 CALENDAR DAYS c. 30 CALENDAR DAYS d. CALENDAR DAYS

NUMBER PERCENTAGE

NOTE: Additional provisions and representations are are not attached.

13. NAME AND ADDRESS OF QUOTER 14. SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO

SIGN QUOTATION

15. DATE OF QUOTATION

16. SIGNER

a. NAME (Type or Print) b. TELEPHONE

AREA CODE & NUMBER

c. TITLE (Type or Print)

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

STANDARD FORM 18 (REV. O6-95)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.215-1(a)

04/30/2026

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

Language Interpreter Daily

Rate

Quantity of

Translators)

Number of

Days

Total

English to Spanish $ 4 3 $

French to English to Spanish $ 4 3 $

Russian to English to Spanish $ 4 3 $

Arabic to Spanish $ 2 3 $

Arabic to English $ 2 3

Portuguese to English to

Spanish

$ 4 3 $

Interpreter Coordinator $ 1 4 $

Language Interpreter Over Time Hourly Rate

English to Spanish $

French to English to Spanish $

Russian to English to Spanish $

Arabic to Spanish $

Arabic to English $

Portuguese to English to Spanish $

Interpreter Coordinator $

**All overtime must be pre-approved by the contracting officer. For the purpose of this contract/order, overtime is defined as time worked by one individual in excess of 8 hrs. per day.

Travel Accommodations per

Interpreter to include (economy class airfare, ground transportation, meals, hotel accommodation and travel time compensation)

Price

Quantity Total

Accommodation per Local

Interpreter to include (ground transportation, meals, and travel time compensation)

Price

Quantity Total

Isolation booths for translators with lighting, table and ventilation- See Task

2 Audio Visual in SOW for more details

Price

Quantity

Total

Grand Total Interpreter Fees + Travel

Reimbursements (excluding overtime rates)

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR

a) GENERAL: It is the Government's intention to award a purchase order to a Quoter whose Quote is considered most advantageous to the Government. The Government reserves the right to award one or none at all.

The Government reserves the right to make an award based on initial offers without discussions.

Therefore, the offeror is requested to submit its best proposal to the Government on the most favorable terms both from a technical and cost/price standpoint. The Government will not pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of any quotes.

b) OFFER ACCEPTANCE PERIOD: The Offeror must provide an acceptance period of not less than 45 calendar days.

c) COMMUNICATIONS: All communications concerning the solicitation, including any of a technical nature, must be made through Naomi Collier, Contract Specialist, at Naomi.S.Collier@dea.gov . All questions, technical or otherwise, shall be in writing and received on or before 10:00 AM (EST) April 23, 2026. Questions shall identify the applicable section, page number and paragraph. The Government will provide to all Quoters a list of all questions received with the Government responses in the form of an amendment to the solicitation. The Government will not consider questions received after this date.

d) TIME, DATE, AND PLACE FOR SUBMISSION OF QUOTE: Quote must be in a Microsoft Office compatible or Adobe compatible format and delivered electronically by email to

Naomi.S.Collier@dea.gov on or before 10:00AM (EST) April 30, 2026.

e) QUOTE PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS-GENERAL: Quote shall conform to the Request for Quote (RFQ) clauses and provisions and be prepared in accordance with this section. Quote shall be clearly marked with the RFQ number and title. The Quoter shall submit its Quote in Microsoft Office or Adobe compatible files.

The Government may reject all offers received in response to this solicitation, if doing so is in the best interest of the Government. Late submissions will not be accepted. No telephone or fax requests will be accepted.

To aid its evaluation, the proposal shall be clearly and concisely written as well as being neat, indexed, and logically assembled addressing each factor in the order specified by the solicitation. All pages of each part shall be appropriately numbered and identified with the name of the contractor, and RFQ number.

The proposal shall be specific and complete in every detail. The proposal shall be practical, straight-forward with concise delineation of what it is the contractor will do to satisfy the requirements of the

Product Description/Specifications.

The proposal shall not merely offer to perform work in accordance with the scope of the work. It shall outline the actual work proposed as specifically as practical. The Statement of Work reflects the objectives of the program, therefore merely stating or affirming that the contractor will execute the performance requirements without sufficient elaboration will not be acceptable.

The written portion of the Quote shall be submitted in electronic format, and must be clearly and concisely written, neat, indexed, and logically assembled. The Quote shall be prepared in two separate volumes:

• Volume 1. Technical Quote, and

• Volume 2. Business Quote.

The Quoter is cautioned that evaluation of each volume will be conducted independently. Therefore, if the required content is not present in the volume being evaluated, it will not be considered.

Technical Quote: (Volume 1) One (1) written Technical Quote (Factors 1, 2, and 3) shall be submitted and address the requirements of the Statement of Work (Attachment A) for the evaluation factors specified. The Quote shall be specific and complete in every detail. The Quote shall be typed, double-spaced, with one-inch margins, using Times New Roman font, 12 pitch type (or Equivalent) and printed, unreduced in size, cm 8 1/2” by 11” page, not exceeding 10 pages, single sided. Any pages in excess of the page limitation will be disregarded and will not be included in the Quote evaluation.

FACTOR 1: Technical Capabilities

• Offeror shall submit a quote to meet the technical capabilities listed in the Statement of

Work. The quote must address offeror's plan to provide Task 1: Interpretation and Task 2:

Audio Visual.

FACTOR 2: Personnel Resumes

• Resumes of personnel shall explicitly detail relevant translation and interpretation experience to include languages the translator is proficient in, any certifications, and verifiable, previous successful programs or conferences.

• Resumes shall include start and end dates; company/agency name and a detailed description of each work experience, to include the scope and complexity as is it related to the SOW.

FACTOR 3: Past Performance

• Offeror shall provide 3 examples of relevant past performance as it relates to the probability of successful accomplishment of the contract requirements. Past Performance shall be relevant in size, scope and complexity. Examples must be within the last 5 years.

Business Quote:

(Volume 2) One (1) written Business Quote. The quote shall include required business information specified below:

• Company Name, Address, Point of Contact

• DUNS Number, Cage Code

• Business Size

• Completion of DEA-2852.209-70 – Organizational Conflicts of Interest (MAY 2012) –

The Contractor shall refer to clause DEA-2852.209-70 located in attached clause matrix.

• Any changes or updates to the representations and certifications on file in the System for

Award Management as required by paragraph (b) of Federal Acquisition Regulation provision 52.212-3 Contractor Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items.

FACTOR 4: Price

• The Offeror shall propose pricing for each line item.

• The Offeror shall propose a single loaded price per Contract Line-Item Number

• The Offeror must verify the calculated total price per CLIN and the grand total. Failure to provide a rate for each CLIN may result in elimination from further consideration.

• Offeror shall detail full travel expenses including Transport, Per Diem, Visa, Taxi and transfers which are not included in the hourly rate of the interpreter.

• Price quotes shall be provided by completing the Schedule of Supplies/Services provided in this RFQ that will be considered on an all-or-none basis per instructions in the solicitation. In accordance with FAR Part 13.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

VOLUME I- TECHNICAL QUOTE

FACTOR 1: Technical Capability/Product Features

The government will evaluate the offeror’s technical understanding of the requirement, its approach, and its techniques to satisfy the elements of the Statement of Work.

*A Mere repetition of the material in the Statement of Work does not constitute a satisfactory response*.

FACTOR 2: Personnel Resumes

The government will evaluate the offerors for resume relevance and compliance with the statement of work.

FACTOR 3: Past Performance

The Government will evaluate how the Contractor’s relevant past performance relates to the probability of successful accomplishment of the contract requirements. Relevance of past performance includes depth, breadth, currency, similarity, and quality of the past performance. Quality of services may be defined as how well the Contractor has complied with contract requirements and whether it conformed to standards of good business practices. It includes performance of enterprise level services similar to those identified in the Statement of Work.

VOLUME II- BUSINESS QUOTE

FACTOR 4: Price:

Price will be evaluated for reasonableness. The Price Quote shall include a unit price for each line item, on an all or none basis, calculated total price per CLIN and the grand total. Price will be evaluated for reasonableness; price will not receive a confidence rating.

BASIS OF AWARD

(a) All timely proposals received pursuant to the solicitation will be fully evaluated. The Government will make award to the responsible offeror whose proposal is the best value to the Government.

The Government will evaluate technical quotes based upon technical factors described above.

Prior to being evaluated in terms of the technical factors, the proposal must meet the requirements set forth in the solicitation.

(b) Award will be made on the basis of Best Value to the Government to the legally eligible, responsible Offeror, whose evaluated price is reasonable and received the best confidence rating overall for all technical criteria (Factors 1 through 3). Evaluation of quotations will be conducted in accordance with FAR 13.106-2, using comparative analysis between eligible quotes. The

Government reserves the right to make an award without discussions.

(c) All evaluation factors other than price, when combined, are significantly more important than price. As technical differences narrow, price will become more important. If there are no significant technical differences, price may be the determining factor for source selection. The

Government may or may not award the lowest priced Offeror or highest technically rated Offeror.

(d) Award will be made based on best value to the Government, cost and other factors Considered.

EVALUATION FACTORS

Evaluation Factors will receive an overall confidence rating of HIGH, SOME, or LOW as defined below.

RATING SYMBOL DEFINITION

High H

The Government has high confidence that the Offeror understands the requirement, proposes a sound approach, and will be successful in performing the contract with little or no Government intervention.

Some S

The Government has some confidence that the Offeror understands the requirement, proposes a sound approach, and will be successful in performing the contract with some Government intervention.

Low L

The Government has low confidence that the Offeror understands the requirement, proposes a sound approach, and will be successful in performing the contract even with Government intervention.

STATEMENT OF WORK

40th International Drug Enforcement Conference (IDEC): Translation Services

SCOPE

On August 18-20, 2026, the Drug Enforcement Administration will hold its annual International

Drug Enforcement Conference (IDEC) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This a DEA-led multilateral conference attended by senior drug law enforcement officials from various countries around the world to collaborate in our global fight to combat and to prevent transnational organized crime and related threats to U.S. national security. This requirement will be set aside at 100% for small businesses only.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The contractor shall provide the following:

Task 1: Interpretation

• Contractor rate shall cover all costs associated with the translation requirements, including preparation of the translation, materials, overhead and profit. The Government will not pay any additional expenses.

• Contractor shall perform translation services conforming to professional standards.

• The contractor shall: Translate from English to Portuguese vice versa and from English to Spanish vice versa, producing full, idiomatic translations of a broad range of PowerPoints of varying complexity including but not limited to technical papers or government correspondence.

• Properly convey the substance of the words and information to be translated, conducting requisite research and with attention to detail and nuances. The Contractor shall prepare a translation that can be readily understood by the intended target audience.

• Display fluent written command for the following languages, Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish (when needed), covering a wide range of terminology and specialized vocabulary in many fields. The translated material may be for the information presented at the conference.

• The Government may require the Contractor to compare the Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish (when needed) versions of PowerPoints or another other translated material.

CONSECUTIVE TRANSLATION

• The Contractor shall:

• Interpret from and into English, generally in informal situations, but involving in-depth professional exchanges on a wide variety of subjects. The mode of interpretation is usually consecutive, i.e. the interpreter takes notes as a person is speaking and interprets from those notes at regular intervals during the remarks.

• Perform instant analysis to understand correctly the substance of the words and information to be interpreted, including attention to detail and nuances. The Contractor shall adapt to constantly changing circumstances, personalities, and work environments.

• Display fluent spoken and written Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish covering a wide range of terminology in many fields, as well as knowledge of the government, history, and culture of the United States and of the cultural differences between the languages. After personal research and/or topical briefings by the Government, the Contractor should be able to bridge terminology gaps, different measurement systems, and similar disparities.

• Adjust to the demands of diplomatic protocol, protective security requirements, and similar considerations while interpreting with clarity and accuracy. The Contractor shall perform interpreting services with the desired tenor of a public statement or the goals to be reached in a negotiation.

• Serve as a notetaker, if needed.

FORMAL SIMULTANEOUS TRANSLATION

• The Contractor shall:

• Interpret from and into English, possibly using the consecutive and the simultaneous technique, in structured or unstructured settings, in private or in public, with high level officials on difficult or sensitive assignments, using a wide range of standard and non-standard terminology, for official or unofficial statements. The Contractor shall perform instant analysis to understand correctly the substance of the words and information to be interpreted, including attention to detail and nuances. The Contractor shall adapt to constantly changing circumstances, personalities, and work environments.

• Display fluent spoken and written Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish covering a wide range of terminology in many fields, as well as thorough knowledge of the government, history, and culture of the United States and of the cultural differences between the languages. The Contractor shall also possess sufficient specialized knowledge to be able to handle, with personal research and/or topical briefings by the Government, any technical subject of high complexity, and be able to bridge terminology gaps, incongruent methodologies, different measurement systems, and similar disparities.

• Perform interpreting with clarity, accuracy, and professional, poised delivery. The Contractor shall perform interpreting services with the desired tenor of a public statement or the goals to be reached in a negotiation.

• Trace, analyze, and define previously unknown concepts and theories, developing equally sophisticated counterparts that have the equivalent meaning and impact in a different cultural environment.

• Adjust to the demands of diplomatic protocol, protective security requirements, and similar considerations. The Contractor may be required to take on a public relation or mediating role as part of interpreting, so as not to jeopardize policies and program objectives and to obtain the desired results.

• Serve as official notetaker, if needed.

Task 2: Audio Visual

• IDEC requires 1 plenary: The contractor provide at least 8 isolation booths for translators with lighting, table and ventilation. We need 400+ IR receivers with headphones for our attendees to use during the conference.

• 7-8 full-size soundproof interpretation booths located within a clear view of the stage.

• Interpreter Consoles: The main control unit for each interpreter, allowing them to manage incoming audio (floor or relay) and outgoing translation, with controls for volume, bass, treble, and channel selection.

• Headsets & Microphones: High-quality headphones and microphones (often "gooseneck" style) for each interpreter, enabling them to hear the speaker clearly and transmit their interpretation without background noise.

• Relay System: Allows interpreters to listen to another booth's interpretation (e.g., translating from

Japanese to English by listening to an English-to-French interpretation) if the original speaker isn't in their native language.

• Soundproofing/Acoustic Isolation: Panels that keep external noise out and the interpreter's voice in, ensuring the audience doesn't hear the translation directly from the booth.

• Ventilation Systems: A "silent" ventilation system to keep the booth cool, which is critical for long, multi-hour conferences.

• Lighting: Individual, low-heat reading lamps (usually LED) that do not create glare on the windows.

• Windows: Clear, non-reflecting front windows that provide a direct, unobstructed view of the speaker, screen, and audience.

• Work Surface/Desk: A table to place the consoles, notepads, water, and reference documents

• Adjustable Chairs: Comfortable, non-squeaking, and adjustable-height seating for at least two interpreters.

• Cable Passages: Specially designed openings for cables to enter the booth without breaking the sound seal.

• Water/Refreshments: A dedicated area within the booth for glasses of water.

• Simultaneous Interpreting Soundproof Booths

• Digital Mixing Console: Sound Expression

Extra Items, such as power cables/cables, power stands, podiums, mics, PowerPoint Computers, A/V production system, software, camera system, and confidence monitors. Breakout Meeting

Rooms

Agenda Item Set Up Attendees

Room 2 1 fully equipped interpretation booth with console and headset and 19-inch screen. Technical staff. (English and

Spanish.)

Room 3 2 fully equipped interpretation booths with console and headset and 19-inch screen. Technical staff. (English, Arabic, and French.)

Room 4 1 fully equipped interpretation booth with console and 30 headset and 19-inch screen. Technical staff. (English and

Spanish.)

CONSIDERATIONS

The contractor must be aware and take into consideration the security parameters that accompany a law enforcement conference.

Security Requirements:

All contractor personnel supporting this procurement are expected to maintain a certain level of trust due to the nature of DEA’s mission. The Government expects the contractor will employ people of integrity and trustworthiness. To ensure this, DEA reserves the right to conduct background screening or a full background investigation of all employees if a need arises. While all services listed above are provided by the contractor, all contracting staff may require to be escorted if the need arises to enter rented spaces. DEA reserves the right to modify the security requirements at any time. Contractor must have active an SAM .gov account at the time of proposal submission and contract award.

Proposed Performance Period

Most attendees will arrive on Monday, August 17th and depart on Friday August 21st, there will be many members of the conference planning team who will arrive and depart 1-3 days on each end.

DEA PROVISION & CLAUSE MATRIX – COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

Updated through FAC 2024-07

SEPT 2024 Page 1 of 36

SOLICITATION #: D-26-OE-0009

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/far-smart-matrix.

(End of provision)

CONTRACTING OFFICER: Check the corresponding box for the provisions and clauses applicable to this procurement.

52.204-6 UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER (OCT 2016)

52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (OCT 2018)

52.204-7 ALT I SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (OCT 2018) WITH ALTERNATE I (OCT 2018)

52.204-16 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE REPORTING (JUL 2016)

52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

52.209-12 CERTIFICATION REGARDING TAX MATTERS (OCT 2020)

52.211-6 BRAND NAME OR EQUAL (AUG 1999)

52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (Sep 2023)

52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021)

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror 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:

[Contracting Officer shall insert the significant evaluation factors, such as (i) technical capability of the item offered to meet the Government requirement; (ii) price;

(iii) past performance (see FAR 15.304); and include them in the relative order of importance of the evaluation factors, such as in descending order of importance.]

Technical and past performance, when combined, are [Contracting Officer state, in accordance with FAR 15.304, the relative importance of all other evaluation factors, when combined, when compared to price.]

(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.

52.225-7 WAIVER OF BUY AMERICAN STATUTE FOR CIVIL AIRCRAFT AND RELATED ARTICLES (FEB 2016)

DOJ-06 NATIONAL SECURITY RISK ASSESSMENT (APR 2014)

(a) Any offeror responding to this solicitation acknowledges that before acquiring information technology equipment or software, the U.S. Department of

Justice and its component entities will assess the supply chain risk of cyber-espionage or sabotage associated with the acquisition of such equipment or software, including any risk associated with such equipment or software being produced, manufactured, or assembled by one or more entities identified as posing a cyber-threat, including but not limited to, those that may be owned, directed, or subsidized by the People’s Republic of China.

(b) By submitting an offer to this solicitation, the Offeror understands and agrees that the Government retains the right to reject any offer or response to this solicitation made by the Offeror, without any further recourse by, or explanation to, the Offeror, if the Government determines the Offeror or the equipment or software offered by the Offeror, in whole or in part, presents an unacceptable risk to national security.

(c) To assist the Government in assessing whether the acquisition poses a national security risk, offerors are required to complete and submit with its offer or quotation the National Security Acquisition Risk Assessment Questions, which are attached to this solicitation. Offerors must answer all questions completely and accurately to the best of their knowledge and belief. All answers are to be reflective of the parent and subsidiary levels of an organization.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far-smart-matrix https://www.acquisition.gov/content/52204-6-unique-entity-identifier https://www.acquisition.gov/content/52204-7-system-award-management https://www.acquisition.gov/content/52204-7-system-award-management https://www.acquisition.gov/content/52204-7-system-award-management https://www.acquisition.gov/content/52209-7-information-regarding-responsibility-matters https://www.acquisition.gov/content/52209-12-certification-regarding-tax-matters https://www.acquisition.gov/content/52211-6-brand-name-or-equal https://www.acquisition.gov/content/52212-1-instructions-offerors-commercial-items https://www.acquisition.gov/content/52212-2-evaluation-commercial-items https://www.acquisition.gov/content/15304-evaluation-factors-and-significant-subfactors#i1108563 https://www.acquisition.gov/content/15304-evaluation-factors-and-significant-subfactors#i1108563 https://www.acquisition.gov/content/52225-7-waiver-buy-american-statute-civil-aircraft-and-related-articles

SEPT 2024 Page 2 of 36

(d) Offerors are also required to request, collect, and forward with its offer or quotation completed National Security Acquisition Risk Assessment Questions from all subcontractors that will provide any equipment or software in performance of the contract or order. Offerors are responsible for the thoroughness and completeness of each subcontractor's submission.

(e) Failure to provide any such requested information may render a proposal unacceptable.

JAR 2852.233-70 PROTESTS FILED DIRECTLY WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (NOV 2020)

(a) The following definitions apply in this provision:

(1) ‘‘Agency Protest Official’’ (APO) means the Deciding Official for a procurement protest filed with a contracting activity of DOJ when the contracting officer will not be the Deciding Official because of the protestor’s election under JAR 2833.103(b).

(2) ‘‘Deciding Official’’ means the official who will review and decide a procurement protest filed with the agency. The Deciding Official will be the contracting officer unless the protestor requests pursuant to JAR 2833.103(b) that the protest be decided by an individual above the level of the contracting officer, in which case the HCA will designate an APO to serve as the Deciding Official.

(3) ‘‘Interested Party’’ means an actual or prospective offeror whose direct economic interest would be affected by the award of a contract or by the failure to award a contract.

(b) Only interested parties may file a protest.

(c) An interested party filing a protest with the DOJ has the choice of requesting either that the Contracting Officer or the APO decide the protest.

(d) A protest filed directly with the DOJ shall:

(1) Indicate that it is a protest to DOJ.

(2) Be filed with the Contracting Officer.

(3) State whether the protestor chooses to have the Contracting Officer or the Agency Protest Official decide the protest. If the protestor is silent on this matter, the Contracting Officer will decide the protest.

(4) Indicate whether the protestor prefers to make an oral or written presentation of arguments in support of the protest to the deciding official.

(5) Include the information required by FAR 33.103(d)(2):

(i) Name, address, facsimile number and telephone number of the protestor.

(ii) Solicitation or contract number.

(iii) Detailed statement of the legal and factual grounds for the protest, to include a description of resulting prejudice to the protestor.

(iv) Copies of relevant documents.

(v) Request for a ruling by the agency.

(vi) Statement as to the form of relief requested.

(vii) All information establishing that the protestor is an interested party for the purpose of filing a protest.

(viii) All information establishing the timeliness of the protest.

(e) The decision by the APO is an alternative to a decision by the Contracting Officer. The APO will not consider appeals from the Contracting Officer’s decision on an agency protest and a decision by the APO is final and not appealable.

(f) The Deciding Official may conduct a scheduling conference. The scheduling conference, if conducted, will establish deadlines for oral or written arguments in support of the agency protest and for agency officials to present information in response to the protest issues. The deciding official may hear oral arguments in support of the agency protest at the same time as the scheduling conference, depending on availability of the necessary parties.

(g) Oral conferences may take place either by telephone or in person.

(h) The protestor has only one opportunity to support or explain the substance of its protest. DOJ procedures do not provide for any discovery. The deciding official may request additional information from the agency or the protestor. The deciding official will resolve the protest through informal presentations or meetings to the maximum extent practicable.

(i) A protestor may represent itself or be represented by legal counsel. The DOJ will not reimburse the protester for any legal fees related to the agency protest.

(j) The DOJ will stay award or suspend contract performance in accordance with FAR 33.103(f), unless the contract award is justified, in writing, for urgent and compelling reasons or is determined, in writing, to be in the best interest of the Government. The justification or determination shall be approved at a level above the Contracting Officer. The stay or suspension, unless over-ridden, remains in effect until the protest is decided, dismissed, or withdrawn.

(k) The deciding official will make a best effort to issue a decision on the protest within thirty-five (35) days after the filing date. The decision shall be written, and provided to the protestor using a method that provides for evidence of receipt.

(l) The DOJ may dismiss or stay proceedings on an agency protest if a protest on the same or similar basis is filed with a forum outside DOJ.

(End of Clause)

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https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/section-2852.233-70

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OFFERORS – COMPLETE THE REPRESENTATIONS BELOW AND RETURN THEM WITH YOUR OFFER OR QUOTE IF THE VERSIONS OF THESE PROVISIONS IN YOUR

ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THE SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT ARE EARLIER THAN OCT 2020.

52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

The Offeror shall not complete the representation at paragraph (d)(1) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument" in paragraph (c)(1) in the provision at 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation, or in paragraph

(v)(2)(i) of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services. The Offeror shall not complete the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services" in paragraph (c)(2) of the provision at 52.204-26, or in paragraph

(v)(2)(ii) of the provision at 52.212-3.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

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

(b) Prohibition.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(d) Representation. The Offeror represents that—

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

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

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

(e) Disclosures.

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

(i) For covered equipment—

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

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

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

(ii) For covered services— https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.204-26#FAR_52_204_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.212-3#FAR_52_212_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.204-26#FAR_52_204_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.212-3#FAR_52_212_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.204-25#FAR_52_204_25 https://www.sam.gov/

SEPT 2024 Page 4 of 36

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained:

Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

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

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

(i) For covered equipment—

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

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

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

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained:

Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

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

52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (FEB 2024)

Attention is drawn to paragraph (b) of provision 52.212-3, which requests offeror-provided fill-in information in (b)(2), when applicable:

(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 applicable to the NAICS code 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 (u) of this provision that the offeror has completed for the purposes of this solicitation only, if any. These amended representation(s) 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.]

***** Paragraph (i) Contracting Officer fill-in information: Paragraph (i)(1): The end products being acquired under this solicitation that are included in the List of

Products Requiring Contractor Certification as to Forced or Indentured Child Labor are listed by Schedule of Supplies/Services Item Number as follows: [when applicable, enter item numbers with country of origin in parentheses and separated by commas]

***** Paragraph (k) Contracting Officer fill-in information: select applicable item when an exemption to the Service Contract Labor Standards statute applies.

Paragraph k(1) is applicable. Paragraph k(2) is applicable.

(v) (2) The Offeror represents that—

(i) It does, does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument.

(ii) After conducting a reasonable inquiry* for purposes of this representation, that it does, does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services.

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

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https://www.acquisition.gov/content/52212-3-offeror-representations-and-certifications-commercial-items http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.acquisition.gov/content/52212-3-offeror-representations-and-certifications-commercial-items https://www.acquisition.gov/content/part-4-administrative-matters#i1121876 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.204-25

SEPT 2024 Page 5 of 36

52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

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

(End of clause)

CONTRACTING OFFICER: Check the appropriate box only for clauses that are applicable to this procurement.

52.203-16 PREVENTING PERSONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST (JUN 2020)

52.203-17 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS AND REQUIREMENT TO INFORM EMPLOYEES OF WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS (JUN

2020)

52.204-9 PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL (JAN 2011)

52.204-12 UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER MAINTENANCE (OCT 2016)

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 DEVELOPED OR PROVIDED BY KASPERSKY LAB AND

OTHER COVERED ENTITIES, IN ALL SOLICITATIONS AND CONTRACTS (NOV 2021)

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

2021)

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

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

Covered application means the social networking service TikTok or any successor application or service developed or provided by ByteDance Limited or an entity owned by ByteDance Limited.

Information technology, as defined in 40 U.S.C. 11101(6)—

(1) Means any equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment, used in the automatic acquisition, storage, analysis, evaluation, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information by the executive agency, if the equipment is used by the executive agency directly or is used by a contractor under a contract with the executive agency that requires the use—

(i) Of that equipment; or

(ii) Of that equipment to a significant extent in the performance of a service or the furnishing of a product;

(2) Includes computers, ancillary equipment (including imaging peripherals, input, output, and storage devices necessary for security and surveillance), peripheral equipment designed to be controlled by the central processing unit of a computer, software, firmware and similar procedures, services (including support services), and related resources; but

(3) Does not…