Solicitation_Private_Sector_Temp_Help_Services_Research_Support.doc

[Type text]

COMMERCIAL ITEMS

AG-05G2-S-10-0001

Temporary Help Services – Forestry, Botany, Physiology & Soils

PNW Research Station

12/29/2009

INFORMATION CALL:

01/22/2010

1630 Hrs.

UNRESTRICTED OR FORMCHECKBOX

SET ASIDE: 100 % FOR

SMALL BUSINESS FORMCHECKBOX

EMERGING SMALL

BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

NAICS: 561320 BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN- FORMCHECKBOX

8(A)

SIZE STANDARD: $13.5 OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINATION UNLESS BLOCK IS MARKED

FORMCHECKBOX

SEE SCHEDULE

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700) 13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

FORMCHECKBOX

RFQ FORMCHECKBOX

IFB FORMCHECKBOX

RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE

16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

Western Washington Acquisition Group

Olympic National Forest

17a. CONTRACTOR/ CODE FACILITY

OFFEROR CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

The National Finance Center P.O. Box 60000 New Orleans, LA 70160-0001

TELEPHONE N0.

FORMCHECKBOX

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN 18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

FORMCHECKBOX

SEE ADDENDUM

Temporary Help Services:

Professional and Technician Natural

Resource Specialists in: Forestry, Botany, Physiology and Soils.

See attached Schedule of Items.

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

FORMCHECKBOX

ARE NOT ATTACHED

FORMCHECKBOX

ARE NOT ATTACHED

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. OFFER

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS: ____________________

MILEY SUTHERLAND

31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV.3/2005)

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

FORMCHECKBOX

RECEIVED

FORMCHECKBOX

INSPECTED

FORMCHECKBOX

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED: ________________________________________

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32f. TELPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

CORRECT FOR

|PARTIAL | |FINAL

FORMCHECKBOX

COMPLETE FORMCHECKBOX

PARTIAL FORMCHECKBOX

FINAL

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER

FOR PAYMENT

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV.3/2005) BACK

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

B.1 Temporary Help Services: Professional Specialist or Scientist: Forestry, Botany, Physiology, or Soils:

Thurston County, Washington.

Forester:

Botanist:

Physiologist:

Soil Scientist:

Qualifications:

Step 1: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in relevant field of study. Up to 1 year of experience.

Step 2: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in relevant field. 1 to 2 years of experience, OR a Master’s (M.Sc.) degree in relevant field of study.

Step 3: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in relevant field. 2 to 3 years of experience, OR a Master’s (M.Sc.) degree in relevant field and 1 up to 2 years of experience, OR a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.) degree in a relevant field of study.

Step 4: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in relevant field. 3 to 5 years of experience, OR a Master’s (M.Sc.) degree in relevant field and 2 up to 3 years of experience, OR a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.) degree in a relevant field of study and 1 up to 2 years of experience.

Step 5: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in relevant field. 5+ years of experience, OR a Master’s (M.Sc.) degree in relevant field and 3+ years of experience, OR a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.) degree in a relevant field of study and more than 2 years of experience.

Professionals not covered by the Service Contract Act will not have a stated benefits package. Vacation time, fringe benefits, and holidays are included in the higher pay rate.

Special pay rates may be negotiated for individuals with education, training, and experience beyond the categories identified above.

B.2 Temporary Help Services: Technician: Forestry, Botany, Physiology, or Soils:

Thurston County, Washington.

*Fringe Coverage includes: 10 vacation/sick days; 10 holidays; and single HMO equivalent 300 month coverage.

Qualifications:

Step 1: Associate of Science (A.Sc.) degree in relevant field of study, OR Up to 1 year of experience.

Step 2: Associate of Science (A.Sc.) degree in relevant field. 1 to 2 years of experience, OR 2 to 3 years of experience..

Step 3: Associate of Science (A.Sc.) degree in relevant field. 2 to 3 years of experience, OR 3+ years of experience.

B.3 Recruiting Fee

For positions filled by the Contractor actively recruiting candidates, the Contractor shall be compensated by a fee which is a percentage of the total first year salary, assuming 1920 hours in the year. [The recruitment fee will be prorated for the performance period of the task order. The maximum recruiting fee for an individual, over all task orders, shall be equal to the recruitment fee percentage times the first year salary, assuming 1920 hours in a year.]

Recruitment Fee

For positions filled by candidates identified by the Forest Service, the Contractor’s initial cost to sign up a new employee shall be included in the “Vendor Markup” included in the hourly rate.

B.4 Task Order Pricing Task orders may be priced on a labor-hour basis using the rates above, or a lump sum fixed-price may be negotiated for the task.

B.5 Minimum and Maximum Contract Amounts (AGAR 452.216-73)(FEB 1988) During the period specified in FAR clause 52.216-18, ORDERING, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of $10,000.00, but not in excess of $999,999.00.

B.6 Authorized Ordering Individuals Any Contracting Officer in the Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region (R6), may issue task orders, within their procurement warrant authority, against this contract.

Any Contracting Officer in the US Forest Service, Economic Recovery Operation Center – Northwest (EROC-NW), Acquisition Group may issue task orders, within their procurement warrant authority, against this contract. Any task order issued by EROC-NW will incorporate all clauses required by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

B.7 Compliance with Title 5 CFR Part 300—Use of Private Sector Temporaries Ordering units shall comply with Title 5 CFR Part 300—Use of Private Sector Temporaries. Temporary help services shall only be used when one of the following short term situations exists-

(1) An employee is absent for a temporary period because of a personal need including emergency, accident, illness, parental or family responsibilities, or mandatory jury service, but not including vacations or other circumstances which are not shown to be compelling in the judgment of the agency; or

(2) An agency must carry out work for a temporary period which cannot be delayed in the judgment of the agency because of a critical need; or

(3) The need cannot be met with current employees or through the direct appointment of temporary employees within the time available by the date, and for the duration of time, help is needed. At minimum, this should include an agency determination that there are no qualified candidates on the applicant supply file and on the reemployment priority list (both of which must provide preference for veterans), and no qualified disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more under 5 U.S.C. 3112, who are immediately available for temporary appointment of the duration required, and that employees cannot be reassigned or detailed without causing undue delay in their regular work. In instances where a need is foreseeable, as when approval of employee absence is requested well in advance, an agency may have sufficient time to follow the temporary appointment recruiting requirements, including veterans' preference found in 5 CFR part 316 to determine whether qualified candidates are available by the date needed and for the length of service required.

In accordance with 5 CFR Part 300, Subpart E, Use of Private Sector Temporaries, the requesting unit shall not use the temporary help service firm in a single situation initially for more than 120 workdays. Provided the situation continues to exist, the agency may extend its use of the temporary help services up to the maximum limit of 240 workdays. An individual employee of the temporary help service firm may work at a major organizational element (headquarters or field) of the agency for up to 120 workdays in a 24-month period. The agency may make an exception for an individual to work up to a maximum of 240 workdays in order to prevent significant delay.

B.8 Ceiling Price (AGAR 452.216-74) (FEB 1988) The ceiling price shall be specified in each task order. The Contractor shall not make expenditures or incur obligations in the performance the task order which exceed the ceiling price specified, except at the Contractor's own risk.

After task order award, any subsequent change in the ceiling price shall be documented in the contract file, that it is in the best interest of the procuring agency to change the ceiling price.

C.1 Description of Services This solicitation and any resulting contract are for professional and technician personnel staffing services to be provided on a “temporary or contingent” basis as required by the Pacific Northwest Research Stations. Temporary personnel may be required in the fields of: Forestry, Botany, Physiology, and Soils. Personnel may work at multiple locations within Washington or Oregon and may occasionally work in California, Montana, Idaho, Alaska or British Columbia. The Contractor is the legally responsible employer and maintains that relationship during the time its employees are assigned to the PNW Research Station. The Contractor recruits, hires, assigns, pays, provides benefits and leave, and as necessary terminates its employees. Among other employer obligations, the Contractor is responsible for payroll deductions and withholding of taxes, social security (FICA), unemployment insurance, and workman’s compensation, and required liability insurance. Some research tasks are highly specialized. For highly specialized tasks, the Forest Service will provide the required level of expertise for each task and may provide a list of potential candidates.

This solicitation and any resulting contract is also for commercial temporary professional and technician personnel staffing services to be provided on a “temporary or contingent” basis as required by any National Forest, in the Pacific Northwest Region. Temporary personnel may be required in the fields of: Forestry, Botany, Physiology, and Soils. Personnel may work on any of the National Forests in Oregon and Washington.

This contract shall not be used for consultant, management, supervision, team lead, or project management services to directly support, or improve, agency policy-making, program development, or decision-making.

This contract shall not be used to provide services for an “inherently governmental function”, which means, as a matter of policy, a function that is so intimately related to the public interest as to mandate performance by Government employees. The definition is a policy determination, not a legal determination. An inherently governmental function includes activities that require either the exercise of discretion in applying Government authority, or the making of value judgments in making decisions for the Government. Governmental functions normally fall into two categories: the act of governing, i.e., the discretionary exercise of Government authority, and monetary transactions and entitlements.

(1) An inherently governmental function involves, among other things, the interpretation and execution of the laws of the United States so as to—

(i) Bind the United States to take or not to take some action by contract, policy, regulation, authorization, order, or otherwise;

(ii) Determine, protect, and advance United States economic, political, territorial, property, or other interests by military or diplomatic action, civil or criminal judicial proceedings, contract management, or otherwise;

(iii) Significantly affect the life, liberty, or property of private persons;

(iv) Commission, appoint, direct, or control officers or employees of the United States; or

(v) Exert ultimate control over the acquisition, use, or disposition of the property, real or personal, tangible or intangible, of the United States, including the collection, control, or disbursement of Federal funds.

Temporary help contractor employees shall not be considered, or treated, as Federal employees for any purpose, shall not be regarded as performing personal services, and shall not be eligible for civil service employee benefits, including retirement. Positions can be filled for an initial 120 workdays, with the ability to extend for an additional 120 days, not to exceed a total of 240 workdays.

The Contractor’s employees may be required to Remain Over Night (RON) during assignments. The Contractor will be reimbursed for employee’s travel, lodging, and per diem in accordance with the current Federal Travel Regulation (FTR).

The Contractor’s employees may be required to work beyond 40 hours per week. Contractor’s technician employees are covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and shall be paid overtime hourly rates of time-and-one-half for all hours worked beyond 40 hours per week. Overtime shall be authorized by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) in advance.

The Contractor’s employees may operate Government-owned vehicles after receiving a Government Driver’s License. The Contractor shall provide insurance coverage for the vehicle, personal, and property damage as stated below.

Initial required labor categories are Professional Specialists or Scientists in: forestry, botany, physiology or soils; and Technicians in: forestry, botany, physiology, or soils. Tasks for each category are as follows:

Specialist or Scientist: Forestry, Botany, Physiology, or Soils.

Prepares reports detailing information gathered from field work, literature review, or other sources.

Prepares presentations for scientific meetings.

Statistical or spatial analysis of data sets.

Prepares manuscripts for publication (including data analysis and literature review).

Assists PNW Station scientists in conduct of studies in their speciality

Assists PNW Station scientists in developing educational material for public use, this may include but not limited to handouts and developing or updating research websites.

Additional duties associated with, and in support of the project may be assigned by the project lead (PNW Station scientists) as needed from time to time.

[Individual task orders may require additional work as specified in the task order Statement of Work.] All professional employees shall be compensated fairly and properly. Accordingly, the provision FAR 52.222-46, Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees, is included in this solicitation. This provision requires that offerors submit for evaluation a total compensation plan setting forth proposed salaries and fringe benefits for professional employees working on the contract. Supporting information will include data, such as recognized national and regional compensation surveys and studies of professional, public and private organizations, used in establishing the total compensation structure. Plans indicating unrealistically low professional employee’s compensation may be assessed adversely as one of the factors considered in making an award.

Technician: Forestry, Botany, Physiology, or Soils.

Work may be in a field (under all weather conditions), greenhouse, laboratory or office setting.

Serves as an inspector for tree measurement, plot establishment, plot maintenance, or plant collection contracts under the direction and guidance of the Contracting Officer Representative (COR). [as required.] Represents the COR in securing [Inspects] Contractor’s compliance with project contractual technical specifications, work schedules, labor standards and provisions.

Measures plant characteristics including plant size, bud status, reproductive status, and physiological state.

Collects soil and plant samples (including seeds and plant cuttings)

Identifies various soil characteristics such as texture, depth to impervious layer, coarse fragment content

Identifies plant species and records plant cover by species

Installs and downloads weather stations and other environmental sensors in the field

Does field reconnaissance to determine future seed or cutting sites for native plant propagation or evaluates areas for research studies.

Obtains data pertaining to plant source, including species, location, and area of plant growth.

Uses Global Positioning System to document plant or research site locations.

Enters data into Access database, Excel spreadsheet or Geographical Information System.

Compiles notes and records of data obtained.

Codes seed germination, measures physiological characteristics such as leaf conductance.

Additional duties associated with, and in support of the project may be assigned by the project lead (PNW Station scientist) as needed from time to time.

The Service Contract Act (SCA) applies to all nonprofessional employees provided under this contract.

CONTRACT CLAUSES

FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions--Commercial Items (MAR 2009) Alternate I (OCT 2008).

(a) Inspection/Acceptance. (1) The Government has the right to inspect services performed under this contract, to the extent practicable at all places and times, including the period of performance, and in any event before acceptance.

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

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

(d) Disputes. This contract is subject to the Contract Disputes Act of 1978, as amended (41 U.S.C. 601-613). Failure of the parties to this contract to reach agreement on any request for equitable adjustment, claim, appeal or action arising under or relating to this contract shall be a dispute to be resolved in accordance with the clause at FAR 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

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

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

(A) Performed by the contractor; or

(B) Performed by the subcontractors.

(iv) Subcontract means any contract, as defined in FAR Subpart 2.1, entered into with a subcontractor to furnish services for performance of the prime contract or a subcontract

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

(g) Invoice.

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

(i) Name and address of the Contractor;

(ii) Invoice date and number;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(i) Payments. (1) Services accepted. Payment shall be made for services accepted by the Government that have been delivered to the delivery destination(s) set forth in this contract. The Government will pay the Contractor as follows upon the submission of commercial invoices approved by the Contracting Officer:

(i) Hourly rate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(1) Other Direct Costs. The Government will reimburse the Contractor on the basis of actual cost for the following, provided such costs comply with the requirements in paragraph (i)(1)(ii)(B) of this clause: None.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(B) The Contractor’s timekeeping procedures;

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

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

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

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

(B) Any documents supporting payment of those invoices.

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

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

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

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

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

(D) Contractor point of contact.

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

(6)(i) All amounts that become payable by the Contractor to the Government under this contract shall bear simple interest from the date due until paid unless paid within 30 days of becoming due. The interest rate shall be the interest rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury, as provided in section 611 of the Contract Disputes Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-563), which is applicable to the period in which the amount becomes due, and then at the rate applicable for each six month period as established by the Secretary until the amount is paid.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(A) The date fixed under this contract.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(l) Termination for the Government’s convenience. The Government reserves the right to terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for its sole convenience. In the event of such termination, the Contractor shall immediately stop all work hereunder and shall immediately cause any and all of its suppliers and subcontractors to cease work. Subject to the terms of this contract, the Contractor shall be paid an amount for direct labor hours (as defined in the Schedule of the contract) determined by multiplying the number of direct labor hours expended before the effective date of termination by the hourly rate(s) in the contract, less any hourly rate payments already made to the Contractor plus reasonable charges the Contractor can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Government using its standard record keeping system that have resulted from the termination. The Contractor shall not be required to comply with the cost accounting standards or contract cost principles for this purpose. This paragraph does not give the Government any right to audit the Contractor’s records. The Contractor shall not be paid for any work performed or costs incurred that reasonably could have been avoided.

(m) Termination for cause. The Government may terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for cause in the event of any default by the Contractor, or if the Contractor fails to comply with any contract terms and conditions, or fails to provide the Government, upon request, with adequate assurances of future performance. In the event of termination for cause, the Government shall not be liable to the Contractor for any amount for supplies or services not accepted, and the Contractor shall be liable to the Government for any and all rights and remedies provided by law. If it is determined that the Government improperly terminated this contract for default, such termination shall be deemed a termination for convenience.

(n) Title. Unless specified elsewhere in this contract, title to items furnished under this contract shall pass to the Government upon acceptance, regardless of when or where the Government takes physical possession.

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

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

(q) Other compliances. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, executive orders, rules and regulations applicable to its performance under this contract.

(r) Compliance with laws unique to Government contracts. The Contractor agrees to comply with 31 U.S.C. 1352 relating to limitations on the use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracts; 18 U.S.C. 431 relating to officials not to benefit; 40 U.S.C. 3701, et seq., Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act; 41 U.S.C. 51-58, Anti-Kickback Act of 1986; 41 U.S.C. 265 and 10 U.S.C. 2409 relating to whistleblower protections; Section 1553 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 relating to whistleblower protections for contracts funded under that Act; 49 U.S.C. 40118, Fly American; and 41 U.S.C. 423 relating to procurement integrity.

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

(1) The schedule of supplies/services.

(2) The Assignments, Disputes, Payments, Invoice, Other Compliances, and Compliance with Laws Unique to Government Contracts paragraphs of this clause.

(3) The clause at 52.212-5.

(4) Addenda to this solicitation or contract, including any license agreements for computer software.

(5) Solicitation provisions if this is a solicitation.

(6) Other paragraphs of this clause.

(7) The Standard Form 1449.

(8) Other documents, exhibits, and attachments.

(9) The specification.

(t) Central Contractor Registration (CCR).

(1) Unless exempted by an addendum to this contract, the Contractor is responsible during performance and through final payment of any contract for the accuracy and completeness of the data within the CCR database, and for any liability resulting from the Government’s reliance on inaccurate or incomplete data. To remain registered in the CCR database after the initial registration, the Contractor is required to review and update on an annual basis from the date of initial registration or subsequent updates its information in the CCR database to ensure it is current, accurate and complete. Updating information in the CCR does not alter the terms and conditions of this contract and is not a substitute for a properly executed contractual document.

(2)(i) If a Contractor has legally changed its business name, “doing business as” name, or division name (whichever is shown on the contract), or has transferred the assets used in performing the contract, but has not completed the necessary requirements regarding novation and change-of-name agreements in FAR Subpart 42.12, the Contractor shall provide the responsible Contracting Officer a minimum of one business day’s written notification of its intention to (A) change the name in the CCR database; (B) comply with the requirements of Subpart 42.12; and (C) agree in writing to the timeline and procedures specified by the responsible Contracting Officer. The Contractor must provide with the notification sufficient documentation to support the legally changed name.

(ii) If the Contractor fails to comply with the requirements of paragraph (t)(2)(i) of this clause, or fails to perform the agreement at paragraph (t)(2)(i)(C) of this clause, and, in the absence of a properly executed novation or change-of-name agreement, the CCR information that shows the Contractor to be other than the Contractor indicated in the contract will be considered to be incorrect information within the meaning of the “Suspension of Payment” paragraph of the electronic funds transfer (EFT) clause of this contract.

(3) The Contractor shall not change the name or address for EFT payments or manual payments, as appropriate, in the CCR record to reflect an assignee for the purpose of assignment of claims (see Subpart 32.8, Assignment of Claims). Assignees shall be separately registered in the CCR database. Information provided to the Contractor’s CCR record that indicates payments, including those made by EFT, to an ultimate recipient other than that Contractor will be considered to be incorrect information within the meaning of the “Suspension of payment” paragraph of the EFT clause of this contract.

(4) Offerors and Contractors may obtain information on registration and annual confirmation requirements via the internet at http://www.ccr.gov or by calling 1-888-227-2423 or 269-961-5757.

FSAR 452.204-71

Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Employees (OCT 2007)

(a) The contractor shall comply with the personal identity verification (PIV) policies and procedures established by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) Directives 4620-002 series.

(b) Should the results of the PIV process require the exclusion of a contractor’s employee, the contracting officer will notify the contractor in writing.

(c) The contractor must appoint a representative to manage compliance with the PIV policies established by the USDA Directives 4620-002 series and to maintain a list of employees eligible for a USDA LincPass required for performance of the work.

(d) The responsibility of maintaining a sufficient workforce remains with the contractor. Employees may be barred by the Government from performance of work should they be found ineligible or to have lost eligibility for a USDA LincPass. Failure to maintain a sufficient workforce of employees eligible for a USDA LincPass may be grounds for termination of the contract.

(e) The contractor shall insert this clause in all subcontracts when the subcontractor is required to have routine physical access to a Federally-controlled facility and/or routine access to a Federally-controlled information system.

(f) The PIV Sponsor for this contract is a designated program point of contact, which in most cases is the Contracting Officer Representative (COR), unless otherwise specified in this contract. The PIV Sponsor will be available to receive contractor identity information at the COR’s designated duty station. The Government will notify the contractor if there is a change in the PIV Sponsor, the office address, or the office hours for registration; however, it is the contractor’s responsibility to meet all aspects of paragraphs (c), (d), and (e).

AGAR 452.211-74 Period of Performance (FEB 1988) The period of performance of this contract is from January 15, 2010, through December 31, 2013.

FAR 52.216-18 Ordering (OCT 1995)

(a) Any supplies and services to be furnished under this contract shall be ordered by issuance of delivery orders or task orders by the individuals or activities designated in the Schedule. Such orders may be issued from January 15, 2010, through December 31, 2013.

(b) All delivery orders or task orders are subject to the terms and conditions of this contract. In the event of conflict between a delivery order or task order and this contract, the contract shall control.

(c) If mailed, a delivery order or task order is considered "issued" when the Government deposits the order in the mail. Orders may be issued orally, by facsimile, or by electronic commerce methods only if authorized in the Schedule.

FAR 52.216-19 Order Limitations (OCT 1995)

(a) Minimum order. When the Government requires supplies or services covered by this contract in an amount of less than $1,000.00, the Government is not obligated to purchase, nor is the Contractor obligated to furnish, those supplies or services under the contract.

(b) Maximum order. The Contractor is not obligated to honor--

(1) Any order for a single item in excess of $100,000.00;

(2) Any order for a combination of items in excess of $500,000.00; or

(3) A series of orders from the same ordering office within 30 days that together call for quantities exceeding the…