RFP_AG-3187-S-12-0164.pdf

Request for Proposal Services

USFS – PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH &

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES FOR THE

OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

(IP)

Solicitation No.: AG-3187-S-12-0164

NAICS CODE: 541712

PSC: AB26

Due Date: January 4, 2013 Time: 2:00PM (EST)

AG-3187-S-12-0164

SECTION B--SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1. Type of Contract

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) intends to issue a single award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. Specific tasks and/or work to be performed will be detailed in individual task orders issued under this IDIQ contract. Task orders will predominately be cost plus fixed fee (CPFF), but Firm Fixed Price (FFP) task orders will be used when appropriate.

B.2. Minimum and Maximum Quantities

During the contract period of performance (including any exercised option years), the maximum IDIQ value shall not exceed $100 million. The minimum ordering quantity is $100,000.

B.3. Estimated Costs and Fixed Fee for CPFF Task Orders

(a) The Total Estimated Cost Plus Fixed Fee for each task order must be negotiated in accordance with the terms of the IDIQ contract. In no event may the indirect rates or fixed fee for a task order exceed the ceilings set forth in Section B.4 and B.5 of the IDIQ contract. The U.S. dollar costs must be limited to reasonable, allocable, and allowable costs determined in accordance with FAR 52.216-7, Allowable Cost and Payment, and FAR 52.216-8, Fixed Fee, 2 CFR Part 220 (for educational institutions), and 2 CFR Part 230 (for non-profits).

(b) Fixed Fee Payment. For any task order issued as a Cost Plus Fixed Fee under this IDIQ, at the time of each payment of allowable costs to the Contractor, the Contracting Officer paying office ordinarily pays the Contractor a percentage of fixed fee that directly corresponds to the percentage of allowable costs being paid. Two exceptions to paying fixed fee in this manner apply:

(1) If the Contracting Officer determines that this method results in paying a disproportionately higher ratio of fixed fee than the percentage of work that the Contractor has completed, then the Contracting Officer may suspend further payment of any fixed fee until the Contractor has made sufficient progress to justify further payment, up to the agreed percentage.

(2) The clauses entitled "Allowable Cost and Payment" (FAR 52.216-7) and "Fixed Fee" (FAR 52.216-8) are incorporated into this IDIQ.

B.4 Indirect Costs

Pending establishment of revised provisional or final billing rates, allowable indirect costs shall be reimbursed on the basis of the following negotiated provisional or predetermined rates and the appropriate bases:

Description Rate Base Type Period

1/ 1/ 1/ 2/ 2/ 2/ 3/ 3/ 3/ 4/ 4/ 4/ 1/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

2/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

3/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

Source:

4/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

Source:

Note 1: Contractors may recover applicable indirect costs (i.e., overhead, G&A, etc.) if it is part of the Contractor's usual accounting procedures, consistent with FAR Part 31, and Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA).

Note 2: While Subcontractor indirect cost rates are not incorporated above, Subcontractor indirect cost rates may be included in task order proposals, and are subject to approval of the Contracting Officer in accordance with FAR 52.2442, Subcontracts.

B.5 Ceiling on Indirect Cost Rates

(a) Reimbursement for indirect costs shall be at the lower of the negotiated final or predetermined rates, or the following ceiling rates:

Description Rate Base Type Period 1/ 1/ 1/ 2/ 2/ 2/ 3/ 3/ 3/ 4/ 4/ 4/ 1/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

2/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

3/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

Source:

4/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Source:

(b) The Government will not be obligated to pay any additional amount should the final indirect cost rates exceed the negotiated ceiling rates. If the final indirect cost rates are less than the negotiated ceiling rates, the negotiated rates will be reduced to conform to the lower rates.

(c) This understanding shall not change any monetary ceiling, obligation, or specific cost allowance or disallowance. Any changes in classifying or allocating indirect costs require the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

B.6 Ceiling on Fixed Fee

For each cost reimbursable task order issued under this IDIQ, the Contracting Officer and the Contractor agree to negotiate a set dollar amount for fixed fee. In negotiating the fixed dollar amount for fee, the Contracting Officer must consider the policies and factors for establishing fee in FAR 15.404-4 as well as any applicable USFS policy on establishing a fixed fee amount. In no event, however, may the amount of fixed fee in any individual task order exceed _____% percent (Offeror proposes ceiling percentage) of the task order’s estimated cost, excluding fee. Fixed fee may not exceed the established ceiling for the base period and all four option periods of this IDIQ.

B.7 Fee for Administrative Services

Certain task orders issued under this IDIQ will require the Contractor to provide administrative services to USFS/IP. Administrative services are defined in section C.3.4. All tasks requiring administrative services will be issued as FFP task orders. For FFP task orders or FFP portions of FFP hybrid task orders requiring administrative services, the Contractor may charge a fee to account for the administrative cost of processing the transaction. The fee will be a percentage of the administrative services task order’s estimated cost, excluding fee. The fee will be based upon the dollar amount required to fulfill the required administrative service. Fees will be applied using the following dollar ranges (Offeror proposes percentage fee and should use the following table in their IDIQ cost proposals):

Transaction Amount Fee (%)

$1 - $10,000

$10,001 - $50,000

Greater than $50,001

B.8 Task Order Proposals

CPFF and FFP task order proposals must conform to the format presented in Attachment 1 unless otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer. The itemized budget sets are required for the estimates for reimbursement of dollar costs for individual line items of cost, and the fixed fee (if any) for CPFF type task orders. If the approved base of application of the Contractor’s indirect costs does not conform to the individual line items of cost noted in Attachment 1 the Contractor may modify the presentation of their estimates for reimbursement of dollar costs so that their cost estimate meets the requirement of their approved indirect cost structure. The budgets for FFP task orders for administrative services must correspond to the fee structure proposed in B.7 and follow the formatting noted in Attachment 1.

B.9 Labor

(a) The following applies to compensation of personnel under this contract or any resulting subcontract.

(1) Direct compensation of the Contractor’s personnel will be in accordance with the Contractor’s established policies, procedures, and practices, and the cost principles applicable to this contract.

(2) Reimbursement of the employee’s allocable salary and overseas recruitment incentive, if any, which exceed the ceiling in H.1 of this IDIQ, must be approved in writing by the Contracting Officer.

(3) Central management costs will be handled through the following method: The Contracting

Officer has determined that a full time IDIQ Management Team is not necessary or required to administer the basic IDIQ. The contractor will not be authorized to bill USFS directly for IDIQ management costs under this IDIQ. Contractors shall propose a centralized management structure that allows for recovery of IDIQ task order management costs as part of its indirect costs under the task orders.

B.10 Labor Categories and Rates

When a firm fixed price task order is requested, the Contractor shall provide services under this contract using the fully burdened, government-site, fixed hourly rates as proposed under this RFP.

All offerors should propose fully burdened hourly rates for the following labor categories. These categories reflect the experience and education levels of the group qualification standards for professional and scientific positions outlined by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/group-stds/gs-prof.asp#table and the administrative and management positions at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/group-stds/Gs-admin.asp In general, IP will request the Contractor to provide labor support similar to those found under the GS- 101 Social Science and the GS-401 General Biological Sciences or GS-343 Program Management series. IP may also require contractors to provide labor support at a level similar to the Senior Executive Service. Further information about the qualification standards for the SES may be found at http://www.opm.gov/ses/recruitment/ecq.asp.

http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/group-stds/gs-prof.asp#table http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/group-stds/Gs-admin.asp http://www.opm.gov/ses/recruitment/ecq.asp

In addition to the OPM group qualification standards IP utilizes the following guidelines when referring to the Labor Categories listed below.

Scientist (all levels) – Academic background in the physical sciences. Experience includes domestic and international technical assistance in environment and natural resource management.

Strong written and analytical skills. Expertise leading teams of interdisciplinary experts within an international context. Foreign language skills and experience living and working overseas preferred.

Program Specialist (all levels) – Academic background in either the physical or social sciences.

Experience includes domestic and international support and/or management of development assistance programs related to environment and natural resource management. Familiarity with USG government regulations with a particular emphasis on FS and USAID requirements for the implementation of international development assistance activities focused on the environment and natural resource management. Strong written and analytical skills. Foreign language skills and experience living and working overseas preferred.

Base Year

Labor Category for US-based Employees

Experience/Grade Equivalent

Hourly Rate

Scientist Level I 11

Scientist Level II 12

Scientist Level III 13

Senior Scientist Level I 14

Senior Scientist Level II 15

Senior Scientist Level III Senior Executive Service

Program Specialist Level II 7

Program Specialist Level III 9

Mid-level Program Specialist Level I 11

Mid-level Program Specialist Level II 12

Mid-level Program Specialist Level III 13

Senior Program Specialist Level I 14

Senior Program Specialist Level II 15

Senior Program Specialist Level III Senior Executive Service

Option Year One

Experience/Grade Equivalent

Hourly Rate

Scientist Level I 11

Scientist Level II 12

Scientist Level III 13

Senior Scientist Level I 14

Senior Scientist Level II 15

Senior Scientist Level III Senior Executive Service

Program Specialist Level II 7

Program Specialist Level III 9

Mid-level Program Specialist Level I 11

Mid-level Program Specialist Level II 12

Mid-level Program Specialist Level III 13

Senior Program Specialist Level I 14

Option Year Two

Experience/Grade Equivalent

Hourly Rate

Scientist Level I 11

Scientist Level II 12

Scientist Level III 13

Senior Scientist Level I 14

Senior Scientist Level II 15

Senior Scientist Level III Senior Executive Service

Program Specialist Level II 7

Program Specialist Level III 9

Mid-level Program Specialist Level I 11

Mid-level Program Specialist Level II 12

Mid-level Program Specialist Level III 13

Senior Program Specialist Level I 14

Option Year Three

Experience/Grade Equivalent

Hourly Rate

Scientist Level I 11

Scientist Level II 12

Scientist Level III 13

Senior Scientist Level I 14

Senior Scientist Level II 15

Senior Scientist Level III Senior Executive Service

Program Specialist Level II 7

Program Specialist Level III 9

Mid-level Program Specialist Level I 11

Mid-level Program Specialist Level II 12

Mid-level Program Specialist Level III 13

Senior Program Specialist Level I 14

Option Year Four

Labor Category for US-based Experience/Grade Hourly Rate

Employees Equivalent

Scientist Level I 11

Scientist Level II 12

Scientist Level III 13

Senior Scientist Level I 14

Senior Scientist Level II 15

Senior Scientist Level III Senior Executive Service

Program Specialist Level II 7

Program Specialist Level III 9

Mid-level Program Specialist Level I 11

Mid-level Program Specialist Level II 12

Mid-level Program Specialist Level III 13

Senior Program Specialist Level I 14

B.11 Task Order Limitations

(a) Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) Task Orders. When issuing CPFF task orders, the Contracting Officer must state in the task order the total estimated cost plus fixed fee, which is the total amount of the task order and the maximum amount the Contractor may be paid without the advance written approval of the Contracting Officer. This maximum amount represents the negotiated mix of the prime Contractor’s and Subcontractors' (if applicable) professional labor categories and salaries, an estimated number of workdays, other direct costs, and fixed fee.

(b) FFP Task Orders. When issuing FFP task orders, Contracting Officers must state in the task order the FFP, which represents the total amount of the task order and the maximum price the Contractor may be paid to perform the services, reports, or other deliverables in the task order.

(c) Maximum Order. When USFS requires services or other deliverables covered by this contract in a task order amount of more than $25,000,000 the Contractor is not obligated to accept an order to furnish those services or reports and other deliverables under this IDIQ. However, if the Contractor agrees to furnish services or reports and other deliverables required by USFS in excess of $25,000,000 and is awarded a task order to do so, the Contractor is required to provide said services and reports/deliverables in accordance with the Task Order’s terms and conditions.

Notwithstanding the above, the Contractor, after written notification to the cognizant Contracting Officer, is not obligated to furnish those services or reports and other deliverables under this IDIQ, and USFS may acquire the supplies or services from another source if issuance of a task order to, and acceptance of a task order by, the Contractor would:

(1) Result in the Contractor (or its personnel or its Subcontractors or their personnel) having an organizational conflict of interest for which restrictions would be placed on the Contractor's activities; Or

(2) Violate the provisions of the Procurement Integrity legislation, i.e., Section 27 of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 423), as amended by Section 814 of Pub. L. 101-189

[END OF SECTION B]

SECTION C--DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

INDEFINITE DELIVERY INDEFINITE QUANTITY (IDIQ) CONTRACT

C.1. Background

The Office of International Programs (IP) works in over 80 countries and has a mandate to coordinate all international activities for the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) around the world. IP links all branches of the USFS — the National Forest System, Research and State and Private Forestry — with partners overseas to promote sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation. The USFS works internationally for a number of reasons. Those include mitigating climate change by keeping forests and grasslands intact and healthy, by restoring degraded lands, and by advancing sustainable forest management worldwide; leveling the playing field in international trade by improving the sustainable management of forests overseas; advancing U.S. forestry interests at international policy deliberations and utilizing lessons from overseas for improving forest management at home;

improving domestic disaster work by exposure to innovative methods and technologies during assignments; and allows a broadened understanding through USFS assignments with other cultures , traditions and exotic forest types.

IP receives funds from Congress, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S.

Department of State and other federal agencies, international and domestic cooperators and partners for the purpose of implementing projects which enhance cooperation between the USFS and other countries on practices and policy related to natural resources management, conservation, disaster mitigation and disaster response.

USFS has obtained Contractor support through a similar IDIQ, which expires in FY2013, to support the implementation of international activities. In addition to completing administrative tasks further discussed in C.3.4, the Contractor is currently providing numerous short term consultants in addition to 91 expatriate and host country national contract personnel in support of USFS projects across the globe. USFS has a need for continued Contractor assistance to support its International Programs.

C.2. Objective

The objective of this IDIQ contract is to acquire forestry research and development expertise, project management and technical support services to effectively implement and execute international sustainable forestry, natural resource management, and disaster mitigation projects.

C.3. Scope of Work

C.3.1 Management of Contractor Personnel

The Contractor shall recruit, hire, manage and oversee all aspects of Contractor personnel matters for U.S.-based and in-country personnel. The Contractor shall provide individuals working on projects overseas with the necessary work permits and benefits, which may include housing allowance, insurance coverage, shipping and/or storage of household effects, and education allowance for children.

The Contractor shall ensure that all personnel working overseas have the necessary work permits, security clearances, visas, and required documents before beginning the project.

The Contractor shall have procedures for handling emergencies associated with international travel and overseas living, including medical and emergency evacuation.

C.3.2 Short- and Long-Term Forestry and Research Development Expertise

The Contractor shall provide personnel, including U.S. and foreign nationals, with the appropriate technical, language, administrative and cultural skills, for short-term and long-term assignments to assist with the implementation of USFS and partner projects and programs.

These positions will be located both domestically and internationally. As mentioned above, USFS has projects in over 80 countries, and requires a Contractor with the capacity and ability to quickly provide and manage a broad range of available and capable resources. According to the project specifications, individuals must be skilled in the areas of expertise required and detailed on task orders. These skills may include any part or combination of the following:

Natural resources and conservation practices Sustainable forestry Governance and policy development Disaster response and mitigation Administration of complex natural resources programs in foreign settings Information Technology systems - Database development and management Technical Writing/Editing – Communication/Public Relations skills Training/Adult education facilitation and methodologies Communications/Logistics Specific language competencies (i.e. Russian, French, Mandarin, Portuguese, Arabic, Spanish, etc.)

Specific knowledge and contextual understanding of cultures and countries

The following list provides examples of the types of Contractor employees and consultants that have been required for previous projects. The list is not comprehensive and is only intended to help offerors understand the breadth of expertise that will be required under this IDIQ contract.

South Africa Biodiversity Conservation and Policy Specialist

Lebanon Out-planting Expert and Advisor

Latin America Program and Budget Specialist

Climate Change Program Specialist

Greece and Near Asia Program Assistant

Disaster Operations and Civil-Military Coordinator

Indonesia Climate Change Center Secretariat

Lebanon Reforestation Initiative Performance Monitoring Expert

Senegal Natural Resource Management Retrospective Study

Mexico and Central America Program Assistant

Tanzania Environmental Threats and Opportunities Assessment

West African Regional Development Program Director - STEWARD III

Brazil Environmental Interpretation and Communication Expert

Morocco Fire Management Incident Command System Expert

Asia REDD+ and Gender Consultant

Low Emissions Development Strategy Specialist

Namibia Livestock Efficiency Consultant

International Visitor Program Financial Specialist

Indonesia Senior Forest Advisor

Amazon Region Forestry Roads Consultant

Lebanon Environmental Impact and Examination Experts

Forestry and Forest Inventory Program Manager for Honduras

Fire Prevention and Awareness for Guyana

Brazil Harvesting Roads Consultant

Jordan Veterinarian Specialist

Mongolia Rangeland Consultant

Bulgaria Forest Policy Advisor

Oman Disaster Management Expert and ICS Trainer

Data Analyst

Outreach Program Assistant

Ecosystem Services Payment Expert

Social Natural Resource Management Anthropologist for Zambia & Mozambique

C.3.3 Overseas Project Office Management and Implementation

The Contractor shall provide complete solutions, including personnel and supplies, to effectively establish, manage and implement overseas project offices. This may include using U.S.-based and/or in-country personnel to provide:

Technical experts in forestry research and development, sustainable forestry, natural resource management and disaster mitigation

Project management

Training

Business support/administrative functions

Security/Guard services

Database development and information technology support

Logistics

Technical writing, communication and marketing assistance

Language competencies

C.3.4 Administrative Services/Payment Processing

At the request of USFS, the Contractor shall fulfill requests to process payments for the Forest Service overseas for the provision of administrative services. This may include but is not limited to the following services:

Conference registration

Workshop support

Simultaneous language interpretation

Identification and provision of secure office and Contractor employee facilities and/or housing which meets the safety and security standards of the USFS and the US Department of State

Identification and provision of vehicles and program equipment

Salary, benefits and allowances of host country Contractor employees

General office support including but not limited to; telephone, internet, reproduction, bank charges, office supplies/computer equipment, utilities, vehicle fuel/maintenance, and vehicle rental

C.3.5 Transition of Current Tasks

The Contractor shall work with USFS and the current Contractor to transfer existing efforts under new task orders. Activities that will continue under the new IDIQ are noted in Attachment 2.

As required in task orders, the Contractor shall build upon the draft Transition Plan provided in its initial proposal, to fully describe how it will perform and manage the transition required to successfully migrate support from the incumbent Contractor, including, but not limited to:

a. Approach for managing the transition from the current Contractor.

b. How the Contractor will work with the current Contractor to facilitate the transition of required services.

c. A list of all Government dependencies and assumptions for Government services to be used during the transition.

d. Transition risks and risk mitigation recommendations.

e. Transition schedule that includes, at a minimum: specific tasks to be performed and the resources assigned to them; task dependencies and relationships; proposed task duration; and major milestones, including the deliverable milestones.

Transition Out: The Contractor shall provide comprehensive assistance and documentation requested by the Government and/or Contractors to facilitate an orderly exit, and possible transition to a new Contractor, upon notice of termination.

C.3.6 Key Personnel

The Contractor shall designate Project Manager and Deputy Project Manager. These two positions are considered key personnel.

These personnel must meet the following criteria:

(i) Demonstrated operational familiarity and working knowledge of the Contractor’s administrative, hiring, contracting, recruitment, financial, and other management procedures to perform tasks and responsibilities in their position description;;

(ii) Demonstrated senior- or mid- level management experience and technical leadership completing high quality complex forestry research and development activities with time sensitive deliverables.

C.4. IDIQ Performance Standards

While performance standards will be included in each task order, USFS will apply the following performance standards to the IDIQ. Performance against these factors will be evaluated on an annual basis to determine if option years should be exercised.

Perf Std # Performance Standards Acceptable Quality Level

(AQL)

Monitoring Method

PS-1

All task orders are completed on time.

95% of task orders are completed on time.

Annual review by COR/CO of task order documentation.

PS-2

All CPFF task orders are completed within the estimated cost.

98% of task orders are completed within the estimated cost.

Annual review by COR/CO of estimated costs and final invoices.

PS-3

Qualified staff members are available to USFS immediately upon task order award.

No deviation. Annual review by COR/CO of task order documentation.

[END OF SECTION C]

SECTION D--PACKAGING AND MARKING

{For this Solicitation, there are NO clauses in this Section}

[END OF SECTION D]

SECTION E--INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

FAR 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/these address(es): www.arnet.gov/far/

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

52.246-4 Inspection of Services--Fixed-Price (AUG 1996) 52.246-5 Inspection of Services – Cost Reimbursement (APRIL 1984)

Deliverables will be accepted or rejected by a COR. The COR will be appointed by the Contracting Officer and identified in the contract.

[END OF SECTION E]

http://www.arnet.gov/far/

SECTION F--DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following contract clauses pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date) in accordance with the clause at FAR "52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE" in Section I of this contract. See FAR 52.252-2 for an internet address (if specified) for electronic access to the full text of a clause.

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.242-15 STOP-WORK ORDER AUG 1989

F.2 Period of Performance

This contract is comprised of one base period and four (4) option years.

Base Period February 15, 2013 – February 14, 2014 Option Year 1 February 15, 2014 – February 14, 2015 Option Year 2 February 15, 2015 – February 14, 2016 Option Year 3 February 15, 2016 – February 14, 2017 Option Year 4 February 15, 2017 – February 14, 2018

F.3 Task Order Awards

Task orders shall be placed during the period of performance of the contract and may extend beyond the IDIQ period of performance. The Contractor shall perform the stated services as issued in each task order, and within the period of performance specified in each task order.

F.4 Place of Performance

Place of performance shall be specified in each task order. Contractor facilities and USFS locations in the U.S. as well as overseas locations are anticipated.

F.5 Travel

Travel shall be required within the U.S. and to countries around the world to manage and implement the required projects. Task orders shall state travel requirements. All travel will be in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulation. Per Diem rates while on travel away from the U.S. shall be scaled according to U.S. Department of State established rates.

F.6 Place of Delivery

All deliverables shall be submitted to the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) specified in the task order.

[END OF SECTION F]

SECTION G--CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

AGAR 452.215-73 Post Award Conference (NOV 1996)

A post award conference with the successful offeror is required. It will be scheduled within 30 days after the date of contract award. The conference will be held at 1400 Independence Ave, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-1147, or via teleconference (to be determined).

G.1 Ordering Procedures

USFS will issue task order requests to the single IDIQ holder. Task order requests will include at a minimum:

Background information

Task objectives

Scope of work

Performance standards

Deliverables

Period of Performance

Place of Performance

COR

Government Furnished Property/Information

Proposal requirements

Task Orders will be performance-based as much as practicable. Task order requests will be sent to the Contractor’s IDIQ Program Manager. At maximum, a two-week response time will be allowed for the Contractor to respond with a technical and price proposal. Simple administrative services and smaller requirements may result in shorter response times. Technical and price proposals must be submitted for each task order request, and must be in sufficient detail to facilitate an audit if deemed necessary. Proposal requirements will be specified in each task order request.

G.2 Contracting Officer Representative (COR)

Unless otherwise designated in individual task orders, Janelle Starks jstarks@fs.fed.us shall serve as the COR for the base period and resulting task orders. The COR is designated by the Contracting Officer to be the technical point of contact for technical issues. The duties of the COR include, but may not be limited to:

1. Ensure prospective bidders are able to inspect the job site (designate access roads, identify area of work, organize "show-me" trips).

2. Advise the Contracting Officer (CO) when conditions are appropriate to issue a notice to proceed.

3. Designate project inspectors and provide copies of the designations to the contractor and the CO.

4. Inspect work and materials as the contract work progresses.

5. Make decisions or recommend actions necessary to the day-to-day administration of the contract.

6. Inform the CO of contract work progress and recommend administrative actions to the CO.

7. Initiate payments and keep current record of progress or partial payments. Provide copies to the contractor.

8. Provide instructions relating to compliance with contract specifications, plans, and provisions to the contractors or their designated representatives.

9. Initiate contract modifications.

mailto:jstarks@fs.fed.us

10. Advise the CO of wage problems.

11. If provided for in the contract, conduct preliminary conceptual discussions with the contractor concerning any potential Value Engineering Proposal (VEP), receive the VEP, and immediately notify the CO.

12. Maintain a file of all documents incidental to administration of the contract.

G.3 Invoicing and Payment Procedures

Invoicing and payment procedures will be provided at award.

[END OF SECTION G]

SECTION H-SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

AGAR 452.237-74 Key Personnel (FEB 1988)

(a) The Contractor shall assign to this contract the following key personnel: Project Manager and Deputy Project Manager, as delineated in the SOW section C.3.6.

(b) During the first ninety (90) days of performance, the Contractor shall make no substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer within 15 calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required by paragraph (c) below. After the initial 90-day period, the Contractor shall submit the information required by paragraph (c) to the Contracting Officer at least 15 days prior to making any permanent substitutions.

(c) The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer. Proposed substitutes should have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor within 15 calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decision on substitutions. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

H.1 Additional Requirements for Personnel Compensation

(a) Definitions. Base pay, or base salary, is defined as an employee’s basic compensation (salary) for services rendered. Income taxes are the responsibility, or liability, of the employee and are inclusive of, not additive to, base pay or salary. The base pay excludes benefits and allowances, bonuses, profit sharing arrangements, commissions, consultant fees, extra or overtime payments, overseas differential or quarters, cost of living or dependent education allowances, etc.

(b) Setting Salaries. The reasonableness of proposed salaries will be evaluated applying the factors set forth in the applicable cost principles (FAR Part 31). In addition to these factors, the contracting officer will consider the “market value” of each proposed position and the associated minimum qualifications as defined in the solicitation. The reasonableness of salaries or compensation will be determined by the contracting officer.

(c) Salaries and wages must be reflective of the “market value” for each position along with salary history. Salaries and wages may not exceed the Contractor’s established policy and practice, including the Contractor’s established pay scale for equivalent classifications of employees, which shall be certified to by the Contractor. As well, no individual salary or wage may exceed the employee’s salary or wage, or the highest rate of annual salary or wage received during any full year of the immediately preceding three (3) years without the approval of the contracting officer. In the instance where the Contractor believes that a particular salary cannot be accommodated within the “market value” the Contractor bears the burden of factually substantiating the need to exceed the established value or ceiling. Such presentation may not solely rest upon prior salary history and/or organizational policy.

(d) Initial Salaries. The initial starting salaries of all US national, third country national (TCN), and cooperating country (CCN) consultants or employees whose salaries are charged as a direct cost to this contract must be approved, in advance and in writing, by the contracting officer. Any initial starting salaries included in the final proposal revision and accepted during negotiations, are deemed approved upon contract execution.

(e) To-Be-Determined (TBD) Positions. The initial starting salaries for professionals whose salaries are charged as direct costs and were not included in the Contractor’s final proposal revision, and may have been indicated by “TBD” must be approved, in advance and in writing, by the contracting officer.

(f) Replacement Staff. With the exception of key personnel, initial salaries of new staff replacing those previously approved in the Contractor’s final proposal revision do not require prior approval by the contracting officer, provided that the following conditions are met:

(1) The position has been authorized in the contract.

(2) The initial salary shall not exceed either the individual’s recent long-term salary by 5%, or the approved salary for the particular position in the final proposal revision, whichever is less.

(3) The Contractor has obtained COR approval of the individual’s technical appropriateness to work on IDIQ related activities.

Note: The Contractor must retain any approvals issued pursuant to sections (a) through (f) above for audit purposes. Approvals issued pursuant to the above must be within the terms of this contract, and shall not serve to increase the total estimated cost or the obligated amount of this contract, whichever is less.

(g) Salary Ceiling. A ceiling has been established for international and CCN staff on the reimbursable base salary or wage paid to personnel under the contract. For international staff, the ceiling is equivalent to the maximum annual salary for agencies without a certified SESperformance appraisal system (AWCPAS) referred to as the published at http://www.opm.gov/oca/05tables/html/es.asp as amended from time to time, unless the contracting officer approves a higher amount with the Agency policy and procedures. For CCN staff, the ceiling is the maximum salary of the highest senior FSN position authorized under the U.S. Embassy Compensation Plan, which will be provided to the Contractor on request after contract award.

(h) Annual Salary Increases Contractor Staff: For Contractor employees, annual increases in accordance with the Contractor’s established policies, procedures and practices are allowable. The annual salary increase may not exceed 5% applied to an employee pool. Annual salary increases of any kind exceeding these limitations, or exceeding the ceilings in paragraph (g) above require the advance written approval of the contracting officer.

(i) Consultants:

International Consultants: No compensation for consultants will be reimbursed unless their use under the contract has advance written approval of the contracting officer. If such provision has been made or approval given, compensation shall not exceed:

(1) The highest rate of annual compensation received by the consultant during any full year of the immediately preceding three years or

(2) The ceilings established in paragraph (g), whichever is less. Requests for waiver to this compensation guidance must be fully justified and shall require the approval of the contracting officer.

Local Consultants: No compensation for consultants will be reimbursed unless their use under the contract has advance written approval of the contracting officer. If such provision has been made or approval given compensation shall not exceed the ceilings established in paragraph (g). Requests for waiver to this compensation guidance must be fully justified and shall require the approval of the contracting officer.

(j) Salaries during Travel Salaries and wages paid while in travel status will not be reimbursed for a travel period greater than the time required for travel by the most direct and expeditious route possible.

(k) Return of Overseas Employees: Salaries and wages paid to an employee serving overseas who is discharged by the Contractor for misconduct, inexcusable non-performance, or security reasons will in no event be reimbursed for a period which extends beyond the time required to return him/her promptly to his/her point of origin by the most direct and expeditious air route.

H.2 Work Week

(a) Non-overseas Employees - The Contractor's U.S., non-overseas employees shall not be required or permitted to work more than 40 hours in any workweek unless overtime hours are approved and paid at not less than 1 1/2 times the basic rate of pay.

(b) Overseas Employees - The Contractor's overseas employees shall not be required or permitted to work more than 40 hours in any workweek unless overtime hours are approved and paid at not less than 1 1/2 times the basic rate of pay and shall be scheduled to coincide with the work week for those employees at the work site. Holidays taken by Contractor’s overseas employees may not exceed those of the U.S. Mission in the country where the requirement is being fulfilled, as published annually.

H.3 Medical Evacuation Services

(a) Contractors must provide MEDEVAC service coverage to all U.S. citizen, U.S. resident alien, and Third Country National employees and their authorized dependents while overseas under a US Forest Service-financed direct contract. US Forest Service will reimburse reasonable, allowable, and allocable costs for MEDEVAC service coverage incurred under the contract. The Contracting Officer will determine the reasonableness, allowability, and allocability of the costs based on the applicable cost principles and in accordance with cost accounting standards.

(b) Exceptions

(1) The Contractor is not required to provide MEDEVAC insurance to eligible employees and their dependents with a health program that includes sufficient MEDEVAC coverage as approved by the Contracting Officer.

(2) The Contracting Officer may make a written determination to waive the requirement for such coverage. The determination must be based on findings that the quality of local medical services or other circumstances obviate the need for such coverage for eligible employees and their dependents located at post.

(c) Contractor must insert a clause similar to this clause in all subcontracts that require performance by Contractor employees overseas.

(c) Contractors are responsible for providing medical evacuation coverage for their employees. Medical evacuation costs are allowable as a direct cost. Medevac services costs are allowable as a direct cost.

H.4 Organizational Conflict of Interest

The Contractor warrants that, to the best of the Contractor's knowledge and belief, there are no relevant facts or circumstances which could give rise to an organizational conflict of interest, as defined in FAR Subpart 9.5, or that the Contractor has disclosed all such relevant information.

The Contractor agrees that if an actual or potential organizational conflict of interest is discovered after award, the Contractor will make a full disclosure in writing to the CO. This disclosure shall include a description of actions which the Contractor has taken or proposes to take, after consultation with the CO, to avoid, mitigate, or neutralize the actual or potential conflict.

Remedies. The CO may terminate this contract for convenience, in whole or in part, if it deems such termination necessary to avoid an organizational conflict of interest. If the Contractor was aware of a potential organizational conflict of interest prior to award or discovered an actual or potential conflict after award and did not disclose or misrepresented relevant information to the CO, the Government may terminate the contract for default, debar the Contractor from Government contracting, or pursue such other remedies as may be permitted by law or this contract.

The Contractor further agrees to insert provisions which shall conform substantially to the language of this clause, in any subcontract or consultant agreement hereunder.

H.5 Supervision of Contractor's Employees

Personnel assigned to render services under this contract shall at all times be employees of the Contractor or its subcontractor(s) and under the direction and control of the Contractor.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this contract, the Contractor shall at all times be responsible for the supervision of its employees in the performance of the services required hereunder.

Contractor personnel shall not at any time during the contract period be employees of the U.S.

Government.

[END OF SECTION H]

PART II--CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I--CONTRACT CLAUSES

FAR 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/these address(es):

www.arnet.gov/far/ www.usda.gov/procurement/policy/agar.html

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

52.204-9 Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel (JAN 2011) 52.202-1 Definitions (JAN 2012) 52.203-3 Gratuities (APR 1984) 52.203-5 Covenant Against Contingent Fees (APR 1984) 52.203-6 Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government. (Sept 2006) 52.203-7 Anti-Kickback Procedures (OCT 2010) 52.203-8 Cancellation, Rescission, and Recovery of Funds for Illegal or Improper Activity (Jan 1997) 52.203-10 Price or Fee Adjustment for Illegal or Improper Activity (Jan 1997) 52.203-12 Limitation on Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions (OCT 2010) 52.203-13 Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Apr 2010) 52.203-14 Display of Hotline Poster(s) (Dec 2007) 52.203-16 Preventing Personal Conflicts of Interest (Dec 2011) 52.204-2 Security Requirements (Aug 1996) 52.204-9 Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel (Jan 2011) 52.204-10 Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (AUG 2012) 52.209-6 Protecting the Government's Interest when Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (DEC 2010) 52.209-5 Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters (Apr 2010) 52.209-7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Feb 2012) 52-209-9 Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Feb 2012) 52.210-1 Market Research (Apr 2011) 52.215-1 Instructions to Offerors--Competitive Acquisition (JAN 2004) 52.215-8 Order of Precedence--Uniform Contract Format (OCT 1997) 52.215-19 Notification of Ownership Changes (OCT 1997) 52.215-20 Requirements for Certified Cost or Pricing Data and Data Other Than Certified Cost or Pricing Data (OCT 2010 52.215-21 Requirements for Certified Cost or Pricing Data and Data Other Than Certified Cost or Pricing Data—Modifications (OCT 2010) 52.215-23 Limitations on Pass-Through Charges (OCT 2009) http://www.arnet.gov/far/ http://www.usda.gov/procurement/policy/agar.html

52.216-7 Allowable Cost and Payment (Jun 2011) 52.216-8 Fixed Fee (Jun 2011) 52.217-2 Cancellation Under Multi-year Contracts (Oct 1997) 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999) 52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2011) 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting (Nov 2011) 52.222-2 Payment for Overtime Premiums (July 1990) 52.222-3 Convict Labor (JUN 2003) 52.222-4 Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act—Overtime Compensation (July 2005) 52.222-11 Subcontracts (Labor Standards) (July 2005) 52.222-12 Contract Termination—Debarment (Feb 1988) 52.222-14 Disputes Concerning Labor Standards (Feb 1988) 52.222-21 Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (FEB 1999) 52.222-26 Equal Opportunity (MAR 2007) 52.222-29 Notification of Visa Denial (June 2003) 52.222-35 Equal Opportunity for Veterans (SEPT 2010) 52.222-36 Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (OCT 2010) 52.222-37 Employment Reports Veterans (Sep 2010) 52.222-40 Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act. (DEC 2010) 52.222-41 Service Contract Act of 1965, as Amended (NOV 2007) 52.222-49 Service Contract Act—Place of Performance Unknown (MAY 1989) 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (FEB 2009) 52.222-54 Employment Eligibility Verification (Jul 2012) 52.223-18 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (Aug 2011) 52.225-13 Restrictions on certain foreign purchases (june 2008) 52.225-19 Contractor Personnel in a Designated Operational Area or Supporting a Diplomatic or Consular Mission Outside the United States (Mar 2008) 52.228-4 Workers’ Compensation and War-Hazard Insurance Overseas (Apr 1984) 52.227-17 Rights in Data—Special Works (DEC 2007) 52.223-6 Drug-Free Workplace (MAY 2001) 52.230-6 Administration of Cost Accounting Standards (June 2010) 52.232-1 Payments (APR 1984) 52.232-2 Payments under Fixed-Price Research and Development Contracts (Apr 1984) 52.232-8 Discounts for Prompt Payment (FEB 2002) 52.232-11 Extras (APR 1984) 52.232-13 Notice of Progress Payments (APR 1984) 52.232-16 Progress Payments. (APR 2012 52.232-18 Availability of Funds (Apr 1984) 52.232-22 Limitation of Funds (Apr 1984) 52.232-23 Assignment of Claims (JAN 1986) 52.232-25 Prompt Payment (OCT 2008) 52.232-32 Performance-Based Payments (Apr 2012) 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer – Central Contractor Registration (OCT 2003) 52.233-1 Disputes (JULY 2002) 52.233-3 Protest After Award (AUG 1996) 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004) 52.237-2 Protection of Government Buildings, Equipment, and Vegetation (APR 1984) 52.242-1 Notice of Intent to Disallow Costs (Apr 1984) 52.242-3 Penalties for Unallowable Costs (May 2001)

52.242-4 Certification of Final Indirect Costs (Jan 1997) 52.242-15 Stop-Work Order (AUG 1989) 52.242-17 Government Delay of Work (Apr 1984) 52.243-1 Changes--Fixed-Price (AUG 1987) 52.243-2 Changes—Cost-Reimbursement (Aug 1987) 52-243-4 Changes (June 2007) 52.244-5 Competition in Subcontracting (Dec 1996) 52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial Items (DEC 2010) 52.245-1 Government Property (Apr 2012) 52.245-2 Government Property Installation Operation Services (Apr 2012) 52.246-4 Inspection of Services—Fixed-Price (AUG 1996) 52.246-5 Inspection of Services—Cost-Reimbursement (Apr 1984) 52.246-7 Inspection of Research and Development—Fixed-Price (Aug 1996) 52.246-8 Inspection of Research and Development—Cost-Reimbursement (May 2001) 52.246-20 Warranty of Services (MAY 2001) 52.246-25 Limitation of Liability—Services (Feb 1997) 52.249-1 Termination for Convenience of the Government (Fixed-Price) (Short From) (APR 1984) 52.249-8 Default (Fixed-Price Supply and Service) (APR 1984) 52.253-1 Computer Generated Forms (JAN 1991)

AGRICULTURE ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 4) CLAUSES

452.237-70 Loss, Damage, Destruction or Repair (FEB 1988) Restrictions Against Disclosure (FEB 1988)

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…