DFAD-_FINAL_Solicitation_010814_(3).docx

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1. SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

The purpose of this contract is to acquire, on an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) basis, information technology (IT) services for the support of the delivery of IT systems and services supporting the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Farm Services Agency (FSA).

Except as may be otherwise expressly set forth in this contract, the Contractor shall furnish all personnel, facilities, equipment, material, supplies, and services, in performance of the services specified under this IDIQ contract, in accordance with the Task Orders and as further defined by Work Definitions approved by the Contracting Officer and the Contracting Officer‘s Representative (COR).

B.2. PRICE SCHEDULE

All Task Orders issued will be on a Labor-Hour (LH) and/or Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) basis, with pricing provided in accordance with the below rate table. The labor rates in this section shall reflect the fully burdened maximum hourly rates of each labor category for each site listed, Kansas City (KCMO) and Washington, DC (WDC). Please provide a separate tab for base year and each option year, using fully burdened rates.

Senior

Journeyman

Entry

Senior

Journeyman

Entry

Journeyman

Senior

Journeyman

Entry

Journeyman

Entry

Solutions Architect

Senior

The contractor shall be required to furnish personnel with qualifications meeting or exceeding the criteria specified in Section J Attachment 4.

Contractors shall also designate a corporate Program Manager that will not serve as direct labor to this contract. For this reason, the position is not included in the table above.

{END OF SECTION B}

SECTION C – PERFORMANCE WORK SCHEDULE

C.1 Background

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Farm Services Agency (FSA) administers and manages farm commodity, farm programs, loan programs and geospatial information as authorized by Congress through a network of federal, state and county offices. Administration of these programs also requires FSA to administer and manage budget and finance programs along with multiple common solution initiatives in order to support the needs of these authorized programs. FSA’s administrative and programmatic functions are supported by a large network of automated systems that are maintained by its Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). FSA’s OCIO is also responsible for developing new programs, replacing existing programs, modernizing existing platforms and systems, maintaining existing systems, and managing the portfolio of FSA’s internal and external administrative web sites. FSA is responsible for an increasing number of web applications resulting from on-going efforts to modernize program delivery to the web environment.

In addition, FSA is collaborating on, or integrating with, SAP based modernization efforts via Web Based Supply Chain Management (WBSCM), Financial Management Modernization Initiative (FMMI), and Modernize and Innovate the Delivery of Agricultural Systems (MIDAS). FSA has a requirement to develop modernized solutions to meet the needs of the nation’s farmers and ranchers and the county office users that support them, as well as to provide support for domestic and international food aid efforts. These users groups, along with district, state, and national office users need cost effective solutions. These solutions are currently achieved through Commercial off The Shelf (COTS) products, and custom developed solutions integrated via Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) to achieve hybrid solutions that maximize the benefits of FSA’s IT investments.

The Geospatial development area is undergoing a transition. Historically, Geospatial development was limited to siloed desktop application as data was dispersed out at remote sites in the field. These siloed desktop applications contained geospatial and business processes integrated together within a single application to support a business function. However, these applications only accomplished part of a larger business process. Unfortunately, the remainder of the business process had been migrated into modernized web applications. This created disconnects between geospatial data and tabular data, which caused data inconsistencies and duplication of work by the field.

These desktop applications were then migrated into a CITRIX server farm to support centralization of geospatial data within the Kansas City data center. This Geospatial data centralization was completed in 2010. Going forward geospatial development will be focused on providing services that can be seamlessly integrated into business processes. This was done with Farm Records as part of the initial release of MIDAS. Going forward the geospatial development group will be focusing on providing services as part of FSA Service Oriented Architecture (SOA).

To further assist in facilitation of these information technology systems and services, the Executive Management Systems Office (EMSO) provides technology support by a central executive management systems staff in these administrative major areas:\

· Daily support, maintenance and administration of over 30 Farm and Foreign Agriculture Service (FFAS) systems used in support of employee work and capturing management metrics for required OMB reporting and enterprise systems

· Specialized application development and continued improvement of administrative systems

· Information technology research

· Deputy Administrator Farm Loan ProgramsAdministrative Systems

· Human Resources Administrative Systems

· Office of Business and Program Integration Administrative Systems

· Miscellaneous and COTS Administrative Systems

· Project Management and Technical Support

Continuation of development and support of these ongoing critical EMSO administrative and executive management systems and services is key to the mission of FSA.

Current challenges include:

· Providing scalability necessary to meet the highly cyclic nature of FSA’s business

· Maintaining delivery dates for mission critical programs with complex business processes and rules required to serve all FSA customers

· Reconciling competing needs and priorities to support requirements from all FSA customers

· Managing the delivery of software systems that cross lines of business within the Agency or interact with other agencies

· Integrating Geospatial Data Management and Geospatial solutions with SAP and non-SAP business applications

C.2 Objective

The objective of this contract is to provide software technical support services for the delivery of consistent, modern and cost-effective business solutions for the FSA mission areas of Budget and Finance, Geospatial Service Oriented Architecture services, Common Information Technology Solutions, and Administrative and Executive Management Solutions, as well as internet and intranet, and SharePoint sites management, or future Collaboration Software management which are necessary in support of FSA and other agencies that FSA supports today and in the future. This will include but not be limited to project management, requirements determination, solution architecture, analysis, design, configuration, construction, unit testing, integration testing, certification testing support, performance testing support, deployment support, maintenance, data integration and Tier 3 production support in compliance with Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Service Operations Standards, of existing and new custom, COTS or hybrid systems. The Contractor will also provide technical support as needed for audits, security requirements, special reporting requests (including those required by Section 1609 and Federal Funding Accountability & Transparency Act), as well as other oversight activities (including OMB A-123 requirements, OMB300/eCPIC requirements and IV & V oversight).

Key objectives include:

· Continual iterative modernization of FSA IT systems in support of business processes

· Improved formulation of business requirements and business process analysis

· Satisfaction of e-Government requirements for shared services and other priorities

· Improved alignment with the Federal CIO’s 25 Point Plan and Digital Government Strategy.

· Improved productivity of end users via implementation of streamlined business processes

· Improved consistency utilizing COTS centric hybrid solutions as part of a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA)

· Work with other USDA agencies and the USDA Geospatial Information Officer implementing the Federal Geospatial Platform

· Ability to provide for streamlined delivery of new legislation and mandates

· Reduced support costs associated with administering FSA programs

· Improved compliance with the Federal Financial Management Improvement Act (FFMIA) of 1996

· Increase shared data and services and reduce duplicated/redundant components through the migration and retirement of applications and functions residing on outdated software and hardware platforms

· Resolve material weaknesses related to reporting of obligations

C.3 Scope

The scope of this contract will include delivery of systems and data supporting the FSA mission areas of Budget and Finance, Geospatial Service Oriented Architecture services, Common Information Technology Solutions, and Administrative and Executive Management Solutions needed in support of FSA or its partner agencies. This contract will also cover any cross-cutting common systems that are not administered and managed by the FSA mission areas of Farm Programs, Farm Loan Programs or Commodity Operations. The scope of this work will include support of new legislation and mandates including: Farm Bill legislation, disaster legislation, Treasury mandates, IRS mandates, and other legislation or mandates impacting FSA or its partner agencies. Additionally, the scope will cover any work FSA is participating in related to agreements with other governmental agencies or commercial partners, in support of the Department of Agriculture’s mission(s) in the areas of Budget and Finance, Geospatial Service Oriented Architecture services, and Common Information Technology Solutions. Finally, in support of of these mission areas, administrative services will be required in the form of technical and support tasks associated with Administrative and Executive Management Solutions automated business information systems, and maintaining and managing the Agency’s portfolio of internal and external web sites, including content management, as well as internal SharePoint system management or future Collaboration Software management.

Detailed Task Order(s) will outline and identify requirements for the efforts to be performed. Additionally for Labor Hour Task Orders, Work Definitions will further define the specific tasks authorized within the scope of the awarded task order and will refine the required deliverables.

C.4 Programs Supported

Below is a representative list of FSA capabilities and functional areas that may be supported by this contract:

Common Capabilities

· Extensible Authorization System (EAS)

· Common Application Framework (CAF)

· Common Business Services (CBS)

· FSA Web Tools

· Communication Tracking and Control System (CTCS)

· Master Reference Tables (MRT)

Budget and Finance Capabilities

· Receivable Management

· National Receipts and Receivables System (NRRS)

· Cash Receipts System (CASH)

· Financial & Accounting Info Reporting System (FAIRS)

· NRRS Referrals (NRRS-RFLS)

· NRRS Notes (NRRS-Notes)

· Land and Storage Facility Management

· Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA)

· Food Feed Seed Storage Facility System (FFS)

· Fertilizer Storage Facility System (FERT)

· Financial Management

· Lease and Reimbursable Agreement Tracking System (LRAT)

· Financial Management System – SCOAP (FMS-SCOAP)

· Financial Inquiries System (FI)

· IRS Reporting

· IRS-1099-A Reporting System (IRS)

· Producer Payment Reporting System (PPRS)

· Marketing Assistance Loans Charges/Offsets Management

· Assessment/Promotion Fee System (APFS)

· Peanut Load-in Charges System (PLCS)

· Payment Management

· Centralized Disbursement System (CDS)

· Check Accounting System (CAS)

· Data Control System (DCS)

· Electronic Funds Management System (eFMS)

· Financial Services System (FS)

· National Payment Services (NPS)

· On-line Payments (OLP)

· Payment Control System (PCS)

· Foreign Program Direct Loan Management

· Automated Public Law-480 Title 1 Umbrella System (APLUS)

Geospatial Capabilities

· Common Land Unit and Acreage Reporting integration

· Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

· GIS Legacy applications, including CLU Maintenance Tool and Tool for Environmental Resource Results Assessment (TERRA)

Executive Management Capabilities Deputy Administrator Farm Loan Programs Administrative Systems

· District Directors Oversight Review System

· Farm Loan Officer Tracking System (FLOTrack)

· State Directives Management System (SDMS)

· National Appraisal Tracking System (NATS)

· Human Resources Administrative SystemsElectronic Executive Information System

· Office of Business and Program Integration Administrative Systems

· Misc and COTS Administrative Systems

C.5 General Information

C.5.1 Communication

Regular and direct contractor interface with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) is mandatory under this IDIQ. The contractor shall not contact nor take direction from unauthorized FSA employees, under any circumstances. The contractor shall work with other Government personnel as designated by the COR in review of specified requests and implementation of the specified task assignment request. When technical interchange meetings are scheduled, any actions resulting from such meetings that affect the Task Order/Work Definition Form level or scope of work, or administrative issues (including work schedules and/or resources) shall be documented and reported to the COR and the Contracting Officer (CO) as appropriate, for approval before being implemented by the contractor. The contractor shall maintain all written or oral communications, throughout the contract Life cycle. If requested by the CO and/or the COR this documentation must be provided.

C.5.2 Kickoff Meeting

No later than five days after the award date, the Contractor shall initiate work on each task order by meeting with key Government representatives to ensure a common understanding of the requirements, expectations, and ultimate end products. The contractor shall discuss the overall understanding of the project and review the background information and materials provided. Discussions will also include the scope of work, deliverables to be produced, how the efforts will be organized and project conducted; assumptions made/expected and results. A concerted effort shall be made to gain a thorough understanding of the Government expectations. However, nothing discussed in this or in any subsequent meetings or discussions between the Government and the Contractor shall be construed as adding, deleting, or modifying any task order requirements, including deliverable specifications and due dates.

C.5.3 Project Management

The contractor shall provide project management resources to manage and execute tasks as defined in individual Task Orders. The contractor shall use project plans as well as standard project management techniques to minimize project delays, and ensure project delivery. The contractor resources shall handle multiple concurrent projects within a highly dynamic environment.

C.5.4 Project Plan

The contractor shall create and maintain project plans for each project defined by Task Orders and Work Definition Forms, to include work breakdown structures, project resource assignments, resource hours, projected task completion dates for each resource assigned, overall completion date of each project, and project assumptions. The contractor shall provide an updated project plan in a mutually agreed upon timeframe defined after the analysis phase is complete or within mutually agreeable time parameters detailing the completion dates for the remainder of the project. The project plan shall be updated weekly or as requested showing progress and task completion. Specific project plan updates shall be provided within mutually agreeable time parameters. All project plans shall be maintained on FSA’s project SharePoint site so that government has access to the project plans at all times.

The Contractor shall prepare and submit a weekly status report for each task order issued on the last scheduled work day of each week, and the report shall include, but not be limited to, the information listed below. The Contractor shall use the FSA approved software, currently Microsoft Word, to create and maintain the report. The required format for the weekly status report will be identified and developed after Task Order award but must be approved by the COR. The following information is a representative list to be included in the Weekly Report.

· Employee responsible for the task.

· Status of projects and tasks (any on hold, completed during the period and percentage of total hours for completion for tasks in progress).

· Work planned for the next week.

· Document any problems that were encountered and their solutions/impact on schedule.

· Other information needed to make decisions on the project.

The Contractor shall prepare and submit a monthly status report for each task order issued, and the report shall include, but not be limited to, the following: status of work definition forms, schedules, deliverables, current and cumulative task funding status (direct labor and travel funding status to be reported separately as required), outstanding issues, and proposed resolution approaches and actions to resolve any outstanding issues. Status of work definition forms shall include a summary description and schedule of all work definition forms completed during the reporting period, all work definition forms currently on-going during the reporting period and all known work definition forms assigned for future reporting periods. The monthly invoice for each task order issued shall be submitted simultaneously with the monthly status report.

C.6 Quality

Both the contractor and Government have responsibilities for providing and ensuring quality services, respectively.

C.6.1 Quality Control

The contractor shall establish and maintain a complete Quality Management Plan for the IDIQ contract and a Quality Control Plan (QCP) for each task order issued, to ensure the requirements of this contract are provided as specified in accordance with the applicable Inspection of Services Clause. The Contracting Officer (CO) will notify the contractor of acceptance or required modifications to the plan. The contractor shall make appropriate modifications (at no additional cost to the government) and obtain acceptance of the plan by the CO. The Government has the right to require revisions of the QCP (at no cost to the Government) should the incorporated plan fail to control the quality of the services provided at any time during the contract performance. The plan shall include, but is not limited to the following:

· A description of the inspection system covering all services listed.

· The specification of inspection frequency.

· The title of the individual(s) who shall perform the inspection and their organizational placement.

· A description of the methods for identifying, correcting, and preventing defects in the quality of service performed before the level becomes unacceptable.

On-site records of all inspections conducted by the Contractor are required. The format of the inspection record shall include, but is not limited to, the following:

· Date, time, and location of the inspection.

· A signature block for the person who performed the inspection.

· Rating of acceptable or unacceptable.

· Area designated for deficiencies noted and corrective action taken.

· Total number of inspections.

C.6.2 Quality Assurance

The Government and/or the Independent Verification and Validation staff will perform periodic reviews of the contractor’s performance in accordance with the Government’s Quality Assurance Surveillance Plans (QASP) (Attachment 5) and the Service Delivery Summary (SDS) for each task order. The Government reserves the right to review services to be provided, including those developed or performed at the Contractor's facilities, to determine conformity with performance and technical requirements. Government quality assurance will be conducted on behalf of the CO. The Contracting Officer Representative (COR) will be appointed to coordinate the overall quality assurance of technical compliance.

C.7 Deliverables.

Deliverables and due dates are identified in subsequent paragraphs.

C.7.1 Deliverables Matrix

As applicable, the deliverables and delivery dates shall be defined on task orders and on approved work definition forms and approved project plans as updated after the completion of the analysis phase for each project. If a delivery date falls on a Federal holiday or Saturday or Sunday, the deliverable due date shall be the next scheduled federal workday unless otherwise indicated. The deliverable due time shall be on or before COB the day the deliverable is due unless otherwise stated within task orders or work definitions. If a delivery does need to be delivered on a Federal holiday or Saturday or Sunday, it will be stated thus within task orders or work definitions.

C.7.2 Other Requirements In addition to the deliverable requirements identified above, the contractor shall comply with the following:

· The contractor shall bring issues affecting performance to the attention of the COR as soon as possible. Verbal reports shall be followed up with written reports, when directed by the COR, within 24 hours.

· The contractor shall provide, in writing to the COR, the results of all meetings with the client that affect and/or change conditions or result in additional agreements or requirements. The contractor shall not perform any work outside the scope or requirements of this Task Order without express written approval of the CO.

C.7.3 Contractor Submission.

Deliverables are to be submitted via electronic transmission unless specified otherwise. The Contractor shall provide hard copy deliverables as required per the Government’s request. All deliverables shall be produced using recommended software tools/versions as approved by the Government. All reports shall be accomplished utilizing the MS Office Software Suite to include MS Project as required.

C.7.4 Government Review.

Government personnel will have 10 workdays to review deliverables, to include resubmissions, and provide written acceptance or rejection. The Client representatives or COR will notify the Contractor of deliverable acceptance or provide comments in writing. The Contractor shall incorporate Government comments, or provide rationale for not doing so within 5 days of receipt of comments. Government acceptance of the final deliverable will be based on resolution of Government comments or acceptance of rationale for non-inclusion. Additional changes volunteered by the Contractor will be considered a resubmission of the deliverable.

{END OF SECTION C}

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING

D. 1 AGAR 452.247-71 - Marking Deliverables (FEB 1988)

(a) The FSA contract/order number shall be placed on or adjacent to all exterior mailing or shipping labels of deliverable items called for by the contract.

(b) Ship to/Mark for:

6501 Beacon Drive Mail Stop: 8210 Kansas City, Missouri 64133 (End of Clause)

D. 2 AGAR 452.247-72 - Packing for Domestic Shipment. (FEB 1988) Material shall be packed for shipment in such a manner that will insure acceptance by common carriers and safe delivery at destination. Containers and closures shall comply with the Interstate Commerce Commission regulations, Uniform Freight Classification Rules, or regulations of other carriers as applicable to the mode of transportation.

(End of Clause)

{END OF SECTION D}

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E. 1 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 may be accessed electronically at this/ these address(es): https://www.acquisition.gov/FAR/ or, www.usda.gov/procurement/policy/agar.html E.2 AGAR 452.246-70 - Inspection and Acceptance. (FEB 1988)

(a) The Contracting Officer or the Contracting Officer's duly authorized representative may inspect and accept the supplies and/or services to be provided under this contract.

(b) Inspection and Acceptance will be performed at:

6501 Beacon Drive Mail Stop: 8210 Kansas City, Missouri 64133

Or, By the authorized alternate COR.

(c) The Contracting Officer's Representatives (COR) has limited authority. The COR is authorized to (1) review and approve travel authorizations necessary for performance of services, (2) inspect deliverables, (3) accept deliverables, (4) review and approve request for payment (invoices), and (5) coordinate services with contractor. The COR has no authority to change or amend the terms and conditions set forth in the Contract.

E.3 Inspection and Acceptance by the Government

The Government will verify that all deliverables cited within this Contract fulfill the requirement and standards stated in this Contract.

Certification by the Government of satisfactory services provided is contingent upon the contractor performing in accordance with the terms and conditions of the referenced contract, this document, the approved technical and cost quotes, and all amendments. The client's representative, Contracting Officer, and the contractor's representative(s) shall meet when deemed necessary at the client’s request. The client representative, the Contracting Officer, and the contractor’s representative may meet at the place determined by mutual agreement.

E.3.1 Responsibility for the Inspection and Acceptance

Inspection and acceptance of all items and services under this Contract will be accomplished by the Government COR. The COR will inspect, and be responsible for, the review and acceptance of all deliverables under this Contract prior to its acceptance by the Government Contracting Officer/Contract Specialist. Acceptance will be performed by the COR, or a designated representative, at the location(s) cited in Section E.2 of this contract.

E.3.2 Quality Assurance

The Government has established and will maintain a quality assurance program in accordance with FAR 52.212-4 -- Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items (Sept 2013). The Government will evaluate the Contractor's performance under this contract for those tasks listed in the contracts’ PWS. The COR will follow the methods of surveillance specified in the contract.

Any action taken by the Contracting Officer as a result of surveillance will be in accordance with the terms of this contract.

The Government’s QASP is not a substitute for Quality Control by the Contractor. The Government reserves the right to inspect any and all work under the contract.

If the corrective/preventive actions are not met the Contractor shall be relieved of full performance of the service and be terminated for cause based on inadequate performance of the service. The Government’s QASP will be based off the requirements of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) of this IDIQ and each individual Task Order(s).

The COR will review, for completeness, preliminary or draft documentation that the Contractor submits, and may return it to the Contractor for correction. Absence of any comments by the COR will not relieve the Contractor of the responsibility for complying with the requirements of this work statement. Final approval and acceptance of documentation required herein shall be by letter of approval and acceptance by COR. The Contractor shall not construe any letter of acknowledgment of receipt material as a waiver of review, or as an acknowledgment that the material is in conformance with this work statement. Any approval given during preparation of the documentation, or approval for shipment shall not guarantee the final acceptance of the completed documentation.

E.3.3 Administrative Considerations Correspondence

Regular and direct contractor interface with the COR is mandatory under this IDIQ. The contractor shall not contact nor take direction from unauthorized FSA employees, under any circumstances. The contractor shall work with other Government personnel as designated by the COR in review of specified requests and implementation of the specified task assignment request. When technical interchange meetings are scheduled, any actions resulting from such meetings that affect the Task Order level or scope of work, or administrative issues (including work schedules and/or resources) shall be documented and reported to the COR and the Contracting Officer (CO) , for approval before being implemented by the contractor. The contractor shall maintain all written or oral communications, throughout the contract life cycle. If requested by the CO and/or the COR this documentation must be provided.

To promote timely and effective administration, correspondence shall be subject to the following procedures:

A. Technical correspondence (where technical issues relating to compliance with the requirements herein) shall be addressed to the COR with an information copy to the Contracting Officer (CO) and the Contract Specialist (CS).

B. Work Definitions (where technical issues require further clarification of the requirement stated in the Task Order) this shall be agreed to by the Contractor, the COR, and the Contracting Officer (CO) who will incorporate this clarification via Task Order Modification.

{END OF SECTION E}

SECTION F – DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 AGAR 452.211-74 – Period of Performance (FEB 1988)

The anticipated Base Period of performance for this contract will be as follows:

Anticipated Base Period: One Year

Option Periods may be exercised based upon the continuing need, past performance, fund availability and at the Government’s discretion; and will be as follows:

(End of Clause)

F.2 Place(s) of Performance

The primary places of performance shall be in Government facilities in Kansas City, MO. and Washington, DC. The Contractor may perform task related activities at Contractor facilities within the local area when required and authorized by the Government at no additional cost to the government. Reimbursement for local travel is not authorized.

F.3 Performance of Travel

The contractor shall also perform travel between the primary places of performance and non-local facilities as required during the performance period of this contract. Once funded via the Task Order, the COR shall approve all non-local travel prior to costs being incurred. Project travel requests, to include projected costs, shall be submitted to enable COR approval no later than three workdays prior to travel. Travel will be handled, to include the reimbursement of expenses, in accordance with FAR 31.205-46 the terms and conditions of the contract. All non-local travel arrangements will be the responsibility of the contractor including, but not limited to, airline, hotel, and rental car reservations. The contractor should make all efforts to schedule travel far enough in advance to take advantage of reduced airfares. The contractor shall stay in Government furnished lodging as available. The contractor shall include a $0.00 travel allowance (subject to modification) in the price proposal. Project specific travel requirements will be authorized by the COR.

Program/contract management travel will not be paid for by the government. Video Teleconferencing should be used as much as practicable in an effort to minimize travel costs.

F.4 Hours of Performance

Normal Duty Hours. On-site contractor support shall be available during customer agency operating (0600-1800) hours. Work shall generally consist of 40-hour work-weeks, Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. The contractor personnel shall observe all Federal holidays. The contractor shall provide for non-standard duty hours support on an as required basis. Non-standard duty hours or additional hours or times for work to be performed shall be coordinated with the COR. The additional hours shall be managed in accordance with the funds available and the burn rate for all labor hours shall be monitored.

Contingency (“on-call”) Support. The contractor shall provide 24x7 on-call contingency support, or as specified in task orders. On-call contingency support shall be coordinated with the authorized local Government point of contact and the contractor’s designated on-call support point of contact. On-call contingency support shall be provided within one hour of notification to the contractor’s designated individual. The contractor shall assess the cause, determine the scope of the problem, advise the appropriate Government organization, identify and implement action for problem resolution, and provide an estimated restoration time in coordination and with approval of the Government point of contact for the situation. The contractor shall provide a single point of contact for all on-call contingency support.

Telework. Telework may be authorized, depending on availability of government computing resources and on the nature of the work tasks involved. All contractor personnel approved for telework shall comply with the specific Guidelines for Telework.

Guidelines for Telework All work performed at locations other than those identified as FSA government facilities in Kansas City, MO., shall be authorized prior to performing the work. Federal contractors are not governed by Office of Personnel Management (OPM), GSA, or the individual agency government employee telework policies; however, this does not prohibit contract employees from actually working at an alternate site, when/as appropriate and specifically authorized by the Government. Contractors may telework during non-standard business hours and during certain uses of standard business hours with Government approval. Approval for telework for individual contractor staff members is at the discretion of the authorized contractor management representative, with agreement by the COR.

A regular schedule of telework shall be established, approved by the COR, published, and the telework schedule must not negatively impact the Government. Changes to the schedule must be pre-approved by the COR. Each technology support or service delivery area must have on-site coverage every business day. For example, if one member of a two-member team is on leave, the remaining team member must be on-site during that time, regardless of whether telework is scheduled or not. Teleworking contractor staff must be able to return to the FSA government facility at no cost to the government, within 5 hours of receiving the request.

Telework Constraints

· The government reserves the right to make changes to the telework schedules at any time. Contractor telework is granted by the government for the necessity and benefit of the government and is not a contractor benefit or right. Contractor telework can be revoked by the government at any time if deemed appropriate.

· Limited availability of government furnished laptops may limit the number of contractors who are approved to participate in telework.

· The contractor program manager shall assess the validity of all telework requests from contract employees. Approvals shall not conflict with the best interest of the government.

· Contractor telework must comply with the USDA and FSA security policies.

(End of Clause)

F.5 Deliverables and Data Rights

In addition to all rights granted to the US Government under the applicable Federal Acquisition Regulations Data Rights clauses, all test materials, documents, notes, records, software tools acquired, and/or software modified or produced by the contractor under this IDIQ PWS shall become the property of the U.S. Government, which shall have unlimited rights to all materials and determine the scope of publication and distribution. The contractor shall be required to deliver electronic copies of all documents, notes, records and software to the Government as requested, and upon termination of the contract services or expiration of the contract period.

· All software will be managed in the FSA source control tools.

· All project documents will be managed in the applicable FSA project Sharepoint sites or designated locations.

{END OF SECTION F}

SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 Contracting Officer’s Authority

The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to approve changes in any of the requirements under this contract and/or any Delivery/Task Order, and notwithstanding any clause contained elsewhere in this contract, the said authority remains solely with the Contracting Officer. In the event the Contractor effects any changes to the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the changes will be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustments will be made in the contract prices to cover any increases in charges incurred as a result thereof.

The Contractor shall submit any request for modification for this contract, in writing to the Contracting Officer with a copy of the request to the COR.

G.2 Contract Administration

The Procuring Contracting Officer responsible for administering this IDIQ contract is:

Daniel Bowker, Contracting Officer

When using regular mail, use the following address:

USDA/FSA/AMD

Mail Stop 0567 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20520

When using express mail or hand delivering to the Contracting Officer, use the following address:

USDA/FSA/AMD

355 E ST, SW

10TH FLOOR

WASHINGTON, DC 20024

G.3 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

The COR appointed for this contract, and the address and contact information for the same is:

To Be Determined

As individual Task Orders may require additional program oversight, the COR may recommend to the CO, the appointment of an alternate COR to assist the COR with some of the COR’s respective responsibilities. This will be finalized by issuance of an Alternate COR letter of appointment.

CAUTION: Offerors shall not make any type of contact (oral or written) with CORs concerning this RFP prior to contract award; any contact may be grounds for a determination for offeror(s) inability to respond to the RFP.

The COR shall be primarily responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following:

1. Monitor the Contractor’s performance under the contract

The COR is not empowered to make any contractual commitments or to authorize any contractual changes on the Government’s behalf. Any changes that the contractor deems may affect contract price, or conditions must be referred to the Contracting Officer for review, action and or approval/disapproval.

G.4 Invoices

The Contractor shall submit invoices to the CO and the COR for review and payment recommendation in accordance with the delivery schedule. The Contractor shall provide an original and one copy of all invoices. Invoices shall be emailed or mailed to the Contracting Officer and the COR at the addresses provided in the Contract. The COR is responsible for review and recommending approval/disapproval of invoices. If disapproved, the COR shall notify the Contracting Officer and the Contractor.

The Contractor shall invoice no more than once a month and shall submit the invoice, by the 5th business day of the month, unless otherwise negotiated to another date, to the address provided in the contract. In addition to the information required by the Prompt Payment Act, at a minimum the following information must also be included on the invoice:

· Labor hours expended. The labor hours expenditure information shall include the identification of the employee name, labor category, hourly labor rate, and total number of labor hours expended.

· Timecards/sheets, or equivalent. The contractor shall provide a copy of each employee’s time and it shall identify the contractor employee name and number of hours claimed per day.

· Travel costs. Supporting documentation for travel costs. Invoices including travel costs shall include supporting documentation as required by the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) (which currently requires receipts for all costs $75.00 or greater). Invoice submissions including travel costs shall include completed travel expense sheets for each trip for each employee.

· The contractor shall comply with line item (i.e., per individual positions, different programs, program areas, modernization efforts, farm bills, etc.) billing requests.

7. Failure to provide the above information or adequately justify payment request is grounds for disapproval of invoice.

G.5 AGAR 452.219-70 Size Standard and NAICS Code Information (SEP 2001) The North American Industrial Classification System Code(s) and business size standard(s) describing the products and/or services to be acquired under this solicitation are listed below:

Contract line item(s): ALL -- NAICS Code – 541511, Custom Computer Programming Services -- Size Standard - $25,500,000

(End of provision)

G.6 Contract Closeout Procedures

It is the Government’s intent to perform close-out procedures at the end of the Contract. The Contractor agrees to perform those internal functions necessary to support this process in a timely manner. Contract close-out will occur as soon as possible after end of contract period of performance.

{END OF SECTION G}

SECTION H - SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

H.1 Government Furnished Facilities, Property, Building Services, Materials, and Information

The Government shall furnish space and building services. Facilities to be furnished to the Contractor under this contract are currently located in a Government leased building. Government facilities have been inspected for compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). No hazards have been identified for which workrounds have been established. Should a hazard be subsequently identified, the Government will correct OSHA hazards according to Government developed and approved plans of abatement taking into account safety and health priorities. A higher priority for correction will not be assigned to the facilities provided hereunder merely because of this contracting initiative. The fact that no such conditions have been identified does not warrant or guarantee that no possible hazard exists, or that workaround procedures will not be necessary. Compliance with the OSHA and other applicable laws and regulations for the protection of employees is exclusively the obligation of the contractor. No alterations to the facilities shall be made without specific written permission from the Contracting Officer.

The Contractor shall return the facilities to the Government in the same condition as received, fair wear and tear and approved modifications excepted.

These facilities shall only be used in performance of this contract.

H.1.1 Government Furnished Equipment

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT/INFORMATION/ACCESS. The government will provide the following resources to the contractor for task performance:

· The Government will provide workspace at a government facility for the maximum number of funded employees.

· The Government will provide standard office configuration (office work area, telephone, access to fax, computer, e-mail account, software, network access, etc.).

· The Government will provide access to available IT equipment and software, as it may deem necessary, to the contractor for the exclusive purpose of performing the services as defined in the task order.

· The Government will provide access to available technical information (i.e.